This website came about as a sounding board for the development of the new building that is in the process of being designed for the Playground.
Go to the Forum to see the latest developments.
These images are of the existing building.
The New Building How we began...
The 7 short listed architects were invited to visit the playground, meet the kids and look at the building.
We had put up our display boards, with lots of info around the consultation that has taken place, and what we want from our new building.
Following on from there, we met with the architects in Barnes Wallace Community Centre where each of them put on a small display.
The seven architects invited were :
Architype, MUF, Eger , Sarah Wigglesworth, EDC, Farrer and Huxley and East. Links to their websites can be found on the Forum
Reps from Somerville :
Staff and management: Hanneke, Rachel, Louise, Debbie and Kimmykool
Young people: Shakira, Colin, Ozzy, Amy, Mark and Robyn.
From NDC : Julia Farr, Matt Parsonage, and Richard.
From Hyde Housing : Yasin Ahmed
We all went round in small groups asking each of the architects the same question and consequently giving them marks of up to 5 points.
A very intensive exercise, fantastic opportunity for our kids to be involved, they took it really seriously.
This event helps us to get ready for the exciting moment when we finally will be able to start working on our new building.
The architects were all very helpful and keen to show us how they could work with us.
We would like to thank every one for their co- operation in making this get together into an enjoyable and special occasion.
There was some close competition but in the end the final shortlist had to be brought down to four.
Here they are:
Archetype
East
EDC
Eger
We are very happy with the final result.
The following time schedule has been set in place.
23rd Sept. - Tenders to be sent out.
3rd Oct - Visits to some of the architects previous buildings where possible.
14th Oct - deadline for tenders.
Final Interviews
24th OCT - Date to start on site!
EAST ARCHITECTS were the final selection.
Go to the Forum to see the latest developments.
The latest information 07.05.2007
Due to the cuts in the funding (now £400,000) for the new building progress has been slow. The tenders from the contractors came in too high and some redesigning to lower costs is under way.
As soon as there are more details they will be posted on the forum