Free Form is delighted to announce that Hothouse has scooped two awards in the first London Planning Awards at City Hall 3/12/2003 - Best Planned Building Project Contributing to London’s Future and the overall Mayor’s Award for Planning Excellence, which is given to the entry that symbolises the finest example of planning in the capital.

The Hothouse was chosen from a shortlist which included Norman Foster’s Swiss Ré (Gherkin) building and the Royal Arsenal Woolwich. The Awards, run jointly by the Mayor of London, London First and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), recognise outstanding planning achievements by individuals or organisations and celebrate the very best of planning in the capital.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said,
“It would have been easy for a scheme like Hothouse, with a difficult site demanding the radical solution of a boomerang shaped building, to have been stifled by a rigid planning system. But Hothouse is a tribute to planning that fosters individual initiative, imagination and excellence to help create an outstanding artistic space.” Barbara Wheeler-Early, Associate Director of Free Form, first saw the site in 1997.
“It had previously been used to store scaffolding but had been derelict for years. It was also contaminated and covered with rubbish. But we saw the potential. It demonstrates how creative people can turn limitations into great strengths. The award is a celebration of what has been achieved so far, and a recognition of what Phase 2 can achieve for the future. I hope it will make it easier to achieve funding support to complete the next phase of the building”.

Ash Sakula Architects responded to the awkward and unusual dimensions of the site which includes eight railway arches and underbridge space to create a sustainable landmark design which is flexible and innovative.

The site has been transformed into the Hothouse – nurturing a cluster of creative industries and addressing the demand for affordable workspace, access to networks, training and shared resources. As well as the headquarters for Free Form Arts Trust, the Hothouse includes the ‘Green Bottle Unit’ for creating 100% recycled glass products, an events and exhibition space, a fully equipped IT training and design facility alongside workspace for incubating creative industries. Current users include Up at the Big House, Twin, Fulcrum TV and Meerkat.

The award is a fantastic achievement for both the Hothouse and the London Borough of Hackney. It celebrates and acknowledges the artistic opportunities available for communities and individuals in the area and places Hackney firmly on the cultural map.

For further information and images, please contact Georgina Davey at Free Form
T 020 7249 3394 / E georgina@freeform.org.uk