david kohn architects + fiona banner: a room for london

‘a room for london’ by david kohn architects + fiona banner, london, england image courtesy of david kohn architects and fiona banner

london based david kohn architects and artist fiona banner collaborated to propose the winning submission for the living architecture competition ‘a room for london‘, sited in london, england. the one bedroom lodge is intended to accommodate transient visitors from january 2012 through december 2012. perched above the southbank centre’s queen elizabeth hall, this temporary boat-like installation is conceptually derived from joseph conrad’s novella ‘heart of darkness’, a personal account of his 19th century riverboat journey through the congo. guests are invited to rest and write about their one night stay contributing to a compiled book of personal accounts within the space.

one bedroom installation provides visitors with an upper and lower level viewing deck image courtesy of david kohn architects and fiona banner

the timber framed and clad structure provides an upper and lower level viewing deck, double bedroom, kitchenette and library generating ideal spaces for contemplation and observation. transient visitors to this rooftop addition are presented with sweeping views of the adjacent thames river and prominent landmarks stretching from big ben to st. paul’s cathedral.

at night image courtesy of david kohn architects

the recently launched ‘ideas for london‘ competition by artangel and the evening standard is an initiave for londoners to submit proposals relating to local urban issues relating to technology, environmental and social concerns. one monthly winner will be granted the opportunity to stay within the room for one night to contribute their ideas to the literary collection. residencies from world renowned artists, musicians and writers will be broadcasted on a dedicated website for world wide consumption.

competition submission rendering image courtesy of david kohn architects

early conceptual rendering image courtesy of david kohn architects

elevation image courtesy of david kohn architects

project info:

project manager: mclennan quantity surveyor: boyden group llp structural engineers: price & myers m & e: max fordham llp main contractor and fabricator: millimetre ltd