Ken Sing Man

My story begins in the Welsh coal-mining town of Abertillery, South Wales. The natural landscape of Wales that I know so well has influenced my design work,: from its changing seasonal colours to the craggy edges of the mountains and freshwater streams. There is a textural and sensual quality to these surroundings that I bring to projects giving them a sensibility that is derived from the natural world.

Before coming to the RCA my design career has ranged from hotel design and, restaurants to residential interiors . In 2018 I joined as a member of the British Institute of Interior Design and continued to learn about the world of interiors by working with renowned interior design studios.

Decided to study at the RCA as a way to explore a more fluid side of creativity, and how my approach fits within it. It was a decision I made to develop a more critical outlook in my creative thinking and be imaginative in my design making.

The MixR

The proposition of reviving our streets and neighbourhoods within towns and cities is at a critical point. The shift in attitude towards self-generating communities has become important in sustaining our local businesses and giving back a sense of ownership towards public space.

Community is built upon action and reactivation of needs that support the local residents and businesses of the area, but how can we initiate action through design?

My project aim is to design - a lively and diverse public space that mediates between the intimacy of the local residential streets to the west and the commercial activities that spill over from Camden High Street.

My research of the area and its history has revealed that Inverness Street is unique and has been home to once a busy local fruit and vegetable market to which has dwindled over the last decade showing our habits have changed and with it its unique character. Other findings show the area lacks public space in relation to shops and food outlets creating an imbalance of environmental inclusion.

My proposal is to reactivate the street by revealing part of the façade of an underused 1920s bingo hall and a neglected goods yard, the intention is to extend and integrate the street from within the hall, providing a transitional focal point in situ between Inverness Street and the bingo hall stage.

Bingo continues to be a popular activity for Camden Town’s older community and in recent years new audiences have been attracted to play the game. Cutting a hole in the brick wall will create a double aspect to the stage so that the game can be enjoyed from the street, and the stage can be used for street performances. Taking inspiration from Cedric Price’s Fun Palace and the design of temporary market structures that are part and parcel of Camden Town’s recent history, the project is animated by sliding glass doors and a roof canopy that emerges from inside the bingo hall.

A raised timber platform unifies the street linking it to a disused access yard to create a place for outdoor eating and entertainment. While the bingo performance space is closed, a sculptural seating area contributes to the permanent landscape of the street.

The proposal is to reactivate the street through the engagement of the Mecca Bingo Hall, transcending the game of bingo to become the platform for other forms of performance and play. The design will include the existing market and shops that will help shape a shared environment of local events led by the local residents and businesses of Inverness Street .

From here, a network of pedestrian routes connects Inverness Street to the proposed Camden High Line, creating an inclusive public environment based on the area’s history as an interchange of people and routes.

The opening of the bingo hall facade will activate a range of activities supported by the individual design elements. The look is inspired by local street fairs of the past and festivals but also the local area. The events will transition and integrate seamlessly with the existing fabric of the street and bingo hall through the 'event' but also unified by the raised platform and covered canopy.

The design leads itself to become a public space which can be enjoyed day and night, creating a safer environment for visitors and the local community.

Events could range from bingo extravaganzas, fringe performances, film screening and a showcase of independent crafts and businesses to dining experiences - all supported by the local restaurants, bars and the residents.

The MixR - Inverness Street.

Ken Sing Man

Social

About

Royal College of Art