Ovaltown 'Zone of Tolerance'

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 5th Studio - Holbrook's architectural practice - was one of eight practices invited to the urban design charette - 'Ovaltown' - for the London Festival of Architecture 2012. The work explored a 'zone of tolerance' in relation to redeveloping the 'The Oval' and surrounds between Hackney Rd and Regent's Canal, London. The event encompassed critiqued presentations and an exhibition of works. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: A proposed deregulation of planning laws backgrounded 'Ovaltown' as a propositional place where planning consent was not required for redevelopment. 5th Studio's playful response offered an alternative urban landscape that could resist market-driven, housing monocultures whilst retaining the capacity for change over time. A storyboard of sections and renderings presented a narrative where the new anchor tenant - the Household Cavalry - would contribute to the working community already on the site. This project draws on Holbrook's ongoing design research in developing strategic thinking that explores dynamics between architecture and the scale of infrastructure and landscape, particularly within conservation, environmental sustainability and regeneration projects. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: Initiated in 2004, the London Festival of Architecture - supported by The Architecture Foundation, RIBA UK and the British Council - offers a significant commentary on London's architecture and built environment. 'Ovaltown' was critiqued by a panel including: Paul Finch - Chair, Design Council; Peter Bishop - Professor of Urban Design, UCL and Kathryn Firth - Chief of Design, Olympic Park Legacy Company. 'Ovaltown' was critically reviewed in Building Design, and the 2012 Festival was promoted and reviewed in Building Design and ArchDaily.