Reimagining Copthall Pavilion by GPAD and POoR Collective
Copthall Pavilion © Luke O’Donovan
The temporary design intervention, led by GPAD, transformed the exterior of a two-storey sixties sports pavilion which had previously been home to changing facilities and sporting socials. Without completely removing all traces of the previous character of the space, the designers gave the building’s exterior a new colour scheme, introducing a beacon that draws the eye from across the playing fields.
Other design interventions included colourful goals for target practice that create a sense of welcome, basketball hoops, sports-based challenges for children and a ‘make your mark’ wall that invited the local community to have their say on the future of the pavilion.
Before © Barnet Council
A colourful triptych mural celebrating the playing fields’ sporting past and present was designed by POoR Collective in collaboration with local youth group FUSE. The mural and sporting interventions formed the backdrop to a day of fun for all ages on Saturday 8 June which included football coaching, Music from DJ academy, yoga taster sessions and activity trails for families.
In addition to the c. 200 people who came to the activation day on 8th June, the design team continued to engage a wide pool of local people and community groups whose opinions on the function of the pavilion that formed the basis of a report delivered to London Borough of Barnet in Summer 2024.
The design team, POoR and GPAD © Luke O’Donovan
