The initiative will see pupils from St Peter’s Primary School develop Christmas light designs for their high street, with a public switch-on event scheduled for November this year.
Every single child, from reception through to Year 7, took part in full-day architect-led workshops during February, exploring themes of light, local identity and resilient cityscapes.
The sessions introduced ideas around architecture and public space, encouraging the children to look closely at their neighbourhood and think about how their built environment influences their sense of place.
All the children’s designs will be showcased in a public exhibition taking place in June, with the local community invited to vote for their favourite designs.
A panel of local creatives, architects, academics and designers will select 21 designs alongside the public vote, for development into full-scale illuminated installations to be displayed along the Walworth Road from November through to January 2027.
The project has been conceived by Antonio Capelao, founder of Architecture for Kids CIC, and Madeleine Moxham, an art director and local resident, and builds on similar initiatives led by Antonio in Soho and Cardiff.
With its focus on children playing an active role in shaping their local environment and understanding its impact, it’s a project we jumped at the chance to support and help bring to life. Southwark Council, the North Walworth Vibrant Streets Fund and RIBA Learning are also supporting the initiative.
The public exhibition of the children’s work will open at Walworth Town Hall in June, before the selected designs are transformed into illuminated installations later this year.
“We were drawn immediately to Maddy and Antonio’s project because it aligns so closely with how we’ve approached the transformation of our site on Walworth Road – working hand-in-hand with the local community to deliver meaningful impact and celebrate what makes Walworth what it is.
“Partnering on the project and joining the workshops has been a total privilege, allowing us to see Walworth Road through the children’s eyes and helping them bring that to life through their incredible designs. We couldn’t miss the opportunity to help make such a joyful, long-lasting and community-driven initiative a reality.”
Debbie Whitfield, Director, Fabrix
