Mayor of London & George Clarke Announce the Design Future London Young Persons’ Challenge Winners
The challenge asked young people to design an innovative and inspirational green home and masterplan for a neighbourhood in the Royal Docks. They needed to meet the changing needs of future generations of Londoners, including promoting wellbeing, quality of life and healthy living and building a better London for everyone.
12 finalists in three age groups presented their designs to a panel of architecture, planning and construction experts at City Hall. The winners were:- Project Prasinos, The Ursuline Academy, Ilford - An accessible and inclusive community design with a focus on sustainability. Based around a Polysolar solar energy unit that makes buildings self sufficient in energy.
- Misty Costello, School 21, Stratford - A sustainable high rise design with unique ‘snowglobe’ where communities can get together and socialise.
- Urbanlett, University College London Echo Village has a mix of uses and unique opportunities for living in flexible apartment types to suit families using sustainable materials.
The winning entries received book prizes, and days of work experience with project supporters Grimshaw architects and Lendlease.
The competition is designed to encourage young people to consider a career in town planning and the built environment, and to inspire them to think about how places and spaces shape and influence their lives.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:
“I have been overwhelmed by the quality of entries to the Design Future London challenge.
“This challenge has encouraged talented young Londoners to showcase their ideas on how we can shape the future of our great city - from the types of housing and the transport links we need, AND what our public areas and open spaces should look like, to how we plan for future climate challenges.
“I congratulate all the finalists on their inspirational designs. The future of architecture and design in our city is in safe hands.”
George Clarke, MOBIE founder, said:
“Home is the most important piece of architecture in our lives. A well-designed home and neighbourhood can enhance the way we live and promote good health and wellbeing.
“I have been genuinely wowed by the standard, quantity, creativity and sheer brilliance of the work that these young people have produced. The submissions to this competition have been nothing short of outstanding.
"I loved meeting the students and learners and watching their presentations. It has been a brilliant event and a memorable experience for these young people. Whether a winner, a finalist or an entrant, every participant has earned my full respect and admiration. I sincerely hope taking part in this challenge will inspire these young Londoners to pursue careers in the built environment and shape the future of this great city".