Radial pavilion at Principal Place | Foster + Partners

Created in collaboration with Brookfield Properties for the London Festival of Architecture (LFA), ‘Radial’ is built from readily available and reusable materials to ensure its sustainable legacy. The pavilion activates the plaza and offers a welcoming space for rest and contemplation.

The Pavilion serves as a focal point on the plaza, fostering community engagement while prioritising environmental consciousness. Constructed from readily available and reusable materials, the building embodies principles of the circular economy.

Scaffolding forms the pavilion’s primary structure and can be reused at various sites across London. Additionally, the timber used for the curved wooden benches will be donated to community workshops for local projects. The pavilion also features a radial pattern of white, blue and red flags that provide shade and are made from 100% recycled waste. These are arranged according to a colour grading system developed by the climate scientist, Ed Hawkins, which reflects the earth’s rising temperature over the past 100 years. The flags will be repurposed into tote bags for distribution within the local neighbourhood at the end of the pavilion’s life.

‘Radial’ builds on Foster + Partners prior collaboration with Brookfield Properties during the 2023 EcoCity summit, through its ongoing reflection on sustainability. The project is also an exemplar of the practice’s approach to nurturing emerging talent, with apprentices playing an integral role within the design team. Since 2018, Foster + Partners has been delivering a range of apprenticeships that offer an alternative route to gaining qualifications, by combining practical experience in the workplace with academic training.

A series of community events and workshops are planned throughout the summer. The pavilion is also part of Brookfield Properties’ community and occupier engagement initiative, ‘Activated,’ which offers a curated programme of cultural installations and activities.