At Simon Kaufman Architects we believe architecture has the power not only to shape stunning buildings but also strengthen communities. That's why we're passionate about ‘giving something back' and contributing our time and professional expertise to local projects we care about.
As a trustee of the Friends of Tudor Park & Pavilion (FoTPP), a charity established during Simon Kaufman's time with the Barnet Society, we're supporting the renewal of a well-loved local Barnet Park, focusing on the restoration of a dilapidated historic cricket pavilion and its transformation into a new hub for the local community.
Simon Kaufman Architects has contributed to the project in various ways. The sketch design drawings you can see in this article and on the FoTPP website for the pavilion refurbishment are our work, as well as the accompanying posters and graphics.
We're finalising the lease agreement with the Barnet Council for the Tudor Park Pavilion, a crucial step before securing National Lottery funding for the restoration. This would be a landmark achievement for Tudor Park and the wider Barnet community.
And this isn't our first or only foray into championing community projects.
We were actively involved with the community to respond to the High Barnet tube proposals and the Victoria Quarter development, working with the Barnet Society's planning and environment group (where Simon continues to participate). In addition, projects like 98 - 100 High Street, High Barnet were initially discussed and conceived with the Barnet Society; the protection of the historic 33 Lyonsdown Road, both of which feature on our projects page; and the Archway masterplan for the Better Archway Forum (during Simon's time in Islington) are further examples of our local focus.
As well as our support for Tudor Park itself, we're also one of the driving forces behind the Barnet Vale Festival, which takes place in the Park this June.
The Barnet Vale Festival, held during the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) which takes place across the capital from the 1st to the 30th June 2024, is another fantastic example of our work in action. In 2023 the festival featured 20 stalls from local businesses and environmental groups, food and drink stands, sports, games, and children's activities as well as music from local artists, displays about the pavilion and park, plus speakers talking about architecture and environmental issues.
And this year promises to be even bigger and better! (Take a look at the poster and watch out for more details coming soon).
By actively contributing to these initiatives, Simon Kaufman Architects is working hard to ensure that our expertise benefits not just our clients, but our friends and neighbourhoods too. We're firm believers that well-designed spaces can foster a stronger sense of community, and we're committed to playing a major part in making that happen.
