What Goes Around bandstand revives Mitcham Fair Green community spirit, marking a hundred years since the original pavilion first stood. Designed by Charles Holland Architects in collaboration with Raskl and local residents, the temporary structure draws from the heritage of the historic fair and the bright patterns of fairground tents. Its sixteen-sided roof with petal-like geometry rests on eight glulam columns connected by jade-green metal joints, creating a lively centerpiece that celebrates both history and place.
The project grew out of community printmaking workshops at the local Saturday market, allowing residents to shape the design’s colorful identity. Built with flitch-beam construction, the pavilion can be assembled each summer and stored away in winter, ensuring long-term use. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Civic Pride program, the new bandstand provides a stage for performances and gatherings while highlighting how design can strengthen cultural memory and civic pride.
Image Credit: Jim Stephenson
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Revitalized Community Spaces
- Architecturally bold structures become central to community engagement, blending history with contemporary design to foster local pride.
- Sustainable Temporary Architecture
- The innovative use of flitch-beam construction for seasonal assemblies showcases the potential for temporary structures to provide lasting community benefits.
- Community-led Design
- Incorporating local input during the design process strengthens community bonds and ensures the space resonates with cultural significance.
Where This Applies
- Architectural Design
- The fusion of historical elements with modern architectural techniques opens new avenues for creating meaningful and engaging public spaces.
- Urban Development
- As urban areas seek to revitalize underutilized spaces, temporary pavilions offer a solution that marries cultural vibrancy with economic feasibility.
- Public Arts and Culture
- Integrating community-driven art initiatives into public spaces can transform how cities celebrate local history and cultural identity.
