Publica volunteered with Open City’s ‘Young City Makers’ programme, working with pupils from primary school in Westminster to re-imagine Marble Arch as a child-friendly public space. This project was supported by the John Lyons Charitable Trust.

Over two months, the team ran three design workshops with a class of enthusiastic Year 4 students, to explore what it means to shape the city they inhabit, foster their sense of belonging in their area, and build confidence in their voice.

Together, they re-imagined their local area, to make it greener, more sustainable and fun, through a series of collaborative discussions, virtual site visits, drawing, and 3D model-making.

Inspired by their dream walk to school, the students transformed Marble Arch into the greenest, most child-friendly square in London. They created innovative 3D models highlighting new community pavilions, water features, biodiversity, play areas, seating and shelter, and bridges throughout the area.

We celebrated the student’s achievements at a shared celebration event at Westminster City Hall attended by the Mayor of Westminster, where their final models were showcased for all attendees.

Our primary school’s collaborative proposal, ‘Re-Imagining Marble Arch’ was awarded First Place for being the best Open Space and the most Child-Friendly.

Thank you to Sarah Phillips, Siân Evey-Arli, and the rest of the Open City team for organising this year’s programme.