cooke fawcett’s peckham observatory reinvents experience of an arts space atop a car park

cooke fawcett’s ‘peckham observatory‘ located in south east london, UK, provides new perspectives on the specially commissioned art installations as well as on the breath-taking views across the rest of the city. a 3.5 meter wide raised platform and timber-framed kiosk has been created for bold tendencies, an arts venue on the top of the now famous multi-storey car park in peckham.

view from the north side of the observatory to the city of london
all images © peter landers photography

central london based cooke fawcett architects planned the deck and steps to be made of full-width hardwood timber decking and three areas of custom-designed benches, accompanied by sun-loungers. the timber handrails on the upper level are angled to provide natural places to lean and rest, taking in the artwork and activities taking place in bold tendencies, with frank’s bar at the far end. the ‘peckham observatory’ spans the entire width of the car park rooftop, while its steel support beams are cantilevered at both ends. the two staircases at either side provide an elevated promenade and on the northern tip the balustrade position at the half-landing provides unencumbered views of london.

wide steps create seating areas, enhancing the experience of looking at the city

the kiosk is a timber-framed, dark blue painted box nestled underneath the steelwork. this area will provide bold tendencies with much-needed space for staff, serving as an information point, ticket booth and shop. it will also act as a hub for the bold everywhere educational programme.

access is provided by stairs at each end of the raised deck

cooke fawcett’s new observatory and kiosk has been achieved on a very low budget. bold tendencies took on the project management themselves and worked with local suppliers and contractors, making this a thoroughly peckham endeavour from start to finish.

the deck spanning north-south across the existing car park roof

the elevated platform forms a viewing point for specially commissioned works of art

the observatory provides new perspectives on the breath-taking views across london

dusk view from the north end of the raised deck

a crowd enjoying the view of london from the north side staircase

overview of the bold tendencies arts space with the new observatory and kiosk installed

view of the peckham rye train station from the ‘peckham observatory’

view from the promenade towards frank’s campari bar

the elevated promenade and timber-framed kiosk seen at dusk

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

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