Case study: Ebury Bridge
Richard and the team at astudio pride themselves on leading meaningful stakeholder engagement. They present each vision with passion, and enthusiasm — ensuring clients are fully engaged in the design and decision-making process. By putting the community at the heart of consultations, they create a sense of ownership and ensure that every project reflects the needs and aspirations of its recipients.
The Community Focus Group (CFG) led several design reviews to generate feedback which could be used to develop the design in line with users’ aspirations. We worked collaboratively with the community group to help develop our proposals, encouraging residents to take ownership of the design. From the first meeting to the successful conclusion of the CPO process, the CFG group and its decision-making ability proved central to the success of the design.
astudio collaborated with Westminster Council to arrange a meanwhile space and summer festival (Edge Fest) for the local Ebury residents. There was a beach and food stalls along with other activities. The children took part in designing the landscape, which was then used in the design development of the final scheme.
Jean Duprez in Ebury Edge fest
Locals drew a flat layout with chalk to have a better spatial understanding of their new home
How astudio deliver social impact
Ebury Edge Fest
Within the astudio team, Jean Duprez MBE provides us with guidance on delivering meaningful and lasting social impact, embedded within the local councils we work alongside. With a deep understanding of the needs and priorities of councils across London, Jean plays a key role in shaping our social value strategy. She engages directly with local schools, training centres, and educational institutions to ensure our projects create exceptional opportunities and benefits for the residents of communities.
Client feedback
‘The astudio team undertook comprehensive site-specific research, working collaboratively with existing residents to identify a scheme that met three objectives, to be viable, desirable and deliverable, while still achieving the highest possible design quality’. David Thompson – Project Director Westminster City Council
Case study: Tokko
TOKKO was created with the help of a youth steering group. These young individuals were involved in the whole process from the funding bid, the brief, the selection of consultants, the design, up to the marketing of their new facility, organised and coordinated by Voluntary Action Luton. Members of the steering group were also invited to participate in work experience in our studio, which was a rewarding experience for all involved.
The facility was proposed after a survey of Luton’s young people took place where it was said that they needed a space “to talk, be listened to, relax and gain confidence by trying new things.” TOKKO provides a variety of spaces and facilities that enable and empower young people to fulfil this declaration.
Best practice was constantly adhered to during both the design and construction periods, and the process was recognised by CABE as an exemplar experience in stakeholder engagement.
Community initiatives and users
TOKKO is home to Youth Advice Luton (Connexions), which offers advice, counselling, and training to unemployed youth in Luton, providing valuable life skills that will help them make the most of their future. TOKKO regularly rents meeting rooms to several companies, such as Luton Airport and EasyJet, helping to support the day-to-day running of the facility.
