Camden SubStratum

A Civic Square For All

Camden SubStratum is a meanwhile civic square on Camden High Street that places people and nature at its centre. The project celebrates the value of craft and care, complemented by a seasonal community programme and a sensory map that reveals and reimagines the many layers of Camden Town.

Developed in response to public consultation, the design introduces more inclusive seating and greenery along the high street. Its ambition is to test strategies for creating a civic heart during the 18-month pedestrianisation trial, with insights from the project informing a future permanent scheme.

In collaboration with Camden Council, the design dissolves the first barrier to access by extending a seamless tabletop surface across the street, erasing the divide between pavements. Serpentine shaped planters ripple through the newly leveled ground, their curves choreographing a gentle chicane that slows the pace and invites pause; a snug where street life can settle and unfold. Underfoot, a punk stud-inspired pattern radiates from the centre, paying tribute to Camden’s vibrant musical and cultural heritage.

The planting scheme features drought-tolerant species introduced gradually from autumn through spring to encourage resilient growth. A sustainable blend of recycled materials improves drainage and reduces water use, while edible and aromatic plants support local biodiversity. Ongoing care by local gardeners nurtures the landscape’s evolution, ensuring it remains vibrant and welcoming throughout the year for residents and visitors alike.

A pair of bright buoys hovers midair like pins on a map, signposting local destinations and nearby green spaces. Each rests upon a twisting, hand-carved wooden hive, its cavities providing nesting sites for solitary bees. Embedded within, solar-powered lights softly illuminate the buoys after dark, casting a gentle glow that brings warmth and a sense of safety in the depths of winter.

The seating is crafted from naturally fallen London oak, its waney edges preserved to evoke a sense of natural erosion and time. A variety of arrangements invites different ways of inhabiting the space - for group conversations, busking, or simply stretching one’s legs. Gaps between seats create room for wheelchair users to sit alongside others, fostering comfort and inclusivity.

All wooden elements are the result of local collaboration: Camden-based Fallen and Felled supplied and fabricated the seating, while Wilkinson & Rivera crafted the buoy hives. Beyond celebrating local craft, the Castlehaven Community Association plays a vital role in outreach, engagement, and the ongoing care and cultivation of the planting.

Commissioners

London Borough Of Camden in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture

Design And Community Engagement

Edgy Collective

Planting Design And Care

LINDA

Community Partner

Castlehaven Community Association

Fabrication

Jamps Studio, Fallen & Felled, Wilkinson & Rivera

Ground Painting

Many Hands Studio