The Crown Estate made headlines when it began the regeneration of London's St James's neighbourhood - after all, as the West End's largest property developer, it manages a portfolio that earns billions for the city. Now it's creating more buzz with its Ground Floor Project, a scheme to bring two landmark St James's buildings into the spotlight.
With support from the non-profit Architecture Foundation, the Crown Estate will commission two cutting-edge designers to create bespoke artworks for the lobbies at 12 Charles II Street and 11 Waterloo Place, gracious, centuries-old buildings intertwined with London's history of fine tailoring and craftsmanship. Shortlisted for the scheme are innovative practices Formafantasma, Simon Hasan, Lola Lely, Philippe Malouin, RCKa and Faye Toogood.
A panel of judges - including Wallpaper* Editor-in-Chief Tony Chambers - will choose the winners in early 2014. The subsequent designs will draw from the traditions of making in the historic neighbourhood.
The second building is 12 Charles II Street. In collaboration with The Architecture Foundation, The Crown Estate has shortlisted six design practices whose ideas for The Ground Floor Project best represent St. James’s historic links to high-end tailors, merchants and craftsmen
The designers shortlisted include Philippe Malouin, who operates a design practice in London and teaches at the RCA
Lola Lely, an RCA graduate and Wallpaper* Handmade 2013 collaborator, is based in London and is a founding member of the Works Collective
Studio Formafantasma's Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin are based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands
British designer Faye Toogood runs a multidisciplinary design practice, spanning everything from furniture to fashion.
RCKa's London-based practice is directed by (from left) Tim Riley, Dieter Kleiner and Russell Curtis
Simon Hasan, winner of a Wallpaper* Design Award 2012, runs his practice from London
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