New Malden’s Urban Oasis

Gateway to New Malden

This proposal for a permanent public realm upgrade in New Malden, southwest London, has been developed in response to a competition organised by London Festival of Architecture and Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. The site includes a roundabout with a dysfunctioning fountain and a neglected green area adjacent to Kingston Environmental Centre. The open call for ‘A Gateway to New Malden’ attracted more than 40 applications.

Respecting and Repurposing

At the heart of Patalab’s scheme for the Gateway to New Malden is a commitment to respecting and repurposing existing elements to create a public realm that maximises green spaces and fosters social engagement. Shortlisted as one of six finalists in the 'A Gateway to New Malden' competition, our design strategy revolves around five key elements.

Three Squares, Two Entrances, and One Roundabout

We reimagine the existing roundabout, transforming it into a "round forest," and relocate the iconic fountain to a small public park. With two triangular entrances and three circular squares, our design caters to various community needs:

• Town Circle: A civic and monumental space featuring the Gateway to New Malden fountain.
• Community Circle: An intimate and quieter area centred around the new Kingston Environmental Centre structure.
• Play Circle: A space dedicated to children's exploration and play.

A Versatile Gabion Serpentine

Our design incorporates a continuous three-dimensional element—the Gateway to New Malden gabion serpentine. This dynamic structure serves as low-level seating, planters, and a land-forming stabiliser, all while enhancing the undulating topography. Made from trapezoidal coloured metal meshes filled with recycled aggregates, it acts as a wildlife habitat, absorbs road noise, and mitigates air pollutants.

Liberating the Fountain

The fountain, an iconic symbol of New Malden, is brought back closer to the community, where it can be experienced, embraced, and cherished again. In this new position, this symbolic water feature is reactivated, whilst continuing to be prominent from the street and more accessible for maintenance.

A New Face for Kingston’s Environmental Centre

The timber pavilion is a new face to the Kingston’s Environmental Centre. It reflects and consolidates the positive impact of the centre in the local community and its environmental initiatives. The colourful structure frames an inviting outdoor space with pergolas and seating areas, accommodating daily facilities such as water tank storage, donation facilities, and notice boards.

Thriving Biodiverse Habitats

We minimise built interventions to optimise green spaces with a low-maintenance, biodiverse planting scheme. From the "Round Forest" in the roundabout to "Seeded Meadows" and "Pioneer Species Woodland," our design aims to create diverse ecosystems that enhance the natural environment.

Public Engagement

Our Gateway to New Malden proposal is a starting point for a collaborative design journey with the local community. Residents are invited to actively participate in the design process, implementation, and maintenance, ensuring the new public realm gives agency to others and space to accommodate the unexpected.

Our Team

The Gateway to New Malden scheme is a result of close collaboration with Adolfo Harrison Landscape Designers, the participation of architecture students Kyungjoo and Jang-hee, and the invaluable input of Korean environmental artist Jihae Hwang. Special thanks to south London-based Weber Industries for their input on the timber structure.

Evaluation by the competition jury

"A thoughtful proposal that weaves a complementary mix of materials and plants and a positive response to cost, implementation, maintenance and management. The pergola structure is an attractive signifier of arrival at this gateway."

More information about the competition

• London Festival of Architecture
• Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
• Shortlisted Practices