Charles Holland Architects has completed an eye-catching wayfinding project in London

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Jim Stephenson, Luke Hayes

The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) and Team London Bridge have unveiled The Tooley Street Triangle – a new wayfinding beacon designed by Charles Holland Architects. Located outside London Bridge Station, the project is a symbol of celebration and welcome as the capital’s streets come back to life with visitors, commuters and Londoners.

Charles Holland Architects won a design competition organised by the LFA and Team London Bridge in 2018 to help people to orientate themselves near London Bridge, and to transform a busy but dull traffic island opposite the main entrance to London Bridge station. Covid-19 restrictions prevented the planned installation of The Tooley Street Triangle in April. Its recent installation marks a turning point and a beacon of hope as London opens up following weeks of lockdown.

The project is conceived as a map come to life, helping people to find their way, and transforming an overlooked piece of pavement into a local landmark and meeting point. It comprises three elements: a scale map of the area around London Bridge printed onto the pavement, complete with street names and major landmarks; a giant signpost with local directions and information on it; and a bench for passers-by to rest. The scheme is also designed to draw people from the busier main roads, signposting quieter routes with cleaner air, away from noise and pollution.

The Tooley Street Triangle is the latest in a year-round series of public realm improvements curated by the London Festival of Architecture, and procured via open call design competitions. Future installations include a major piece of public art near St Paul’s Cathedral, produced by the LFA in partnership with the Cheapside Business Alliance and the City of London Corporation.

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