Copthall Pavilion

Located on Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, the Pavilion welcomed its first series of community events, as part of a wider programme across Barnet to bring local communities together and celebrate the culture and talent of the borough. Community engagement was an integral part of the process for the redesign of the Pavilion, and we sought to involve the local community through a series of workshops to participate in the new design.

As a result of the community engagement workshops which were led by POoR, a colourful new mural was introduced. Bold iconography and colourful motifs guide the public around the building, offering places to draw, play and interact.

The building also makes reference to both its London heritage and the local area, including the logo for local rugby team the Saracens on its facades.

In its existing state the building was heavily vandalised and neglected; the use of colour was important to inject life back into the building and re-establish its place in the landscape. Each facade has been repainted in bold, bright colours to give the structure a playful feel, and establish a sense of presence. The fluorescent beacon at the top of the building acts as a landmark which is visible across the playing fields and surrounding areas.