A GATEWAY TO NEW MALDEN with Hayatsu Architects & Hortus Collective

"Unearthing New Malden" is the winning proposal for the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) competition, "A Gateway to New Malden," in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames. This project is a collaboration between Hayatsu Architects, 121 Collective, and Hortus Collective.

Inspired by the town’s rich history of brick-making, the design centers on excavating the roundabout to create a seasonal pond and rain garden. The excavated soil will be strategically repurposed, forming landscaped mounds that provide respite from traffic noise and subtly reference the prehistoric local landscape.

Community engagement is central to this vision. In October, 121 Collective hosted a "Play with Clay" event, allowing the public to connect with the project's narrative through working with local clay. Participants crafted tiles and brainstormed ideas for a landmark gateway, a symbol celebrating the town’s unique history.

To further facilitate communication with stakeholders and the community, 121 Collective developed a large-scale architectural model. This interactive tool allows for valuable feedback on the evolving design, ensuring the final product resonates with all future users. The project is ongoing.

Drawings & Visuals are credited to Hayatsu Architects.