Brighton alumni and lecturer win London architectural commission

As part of a South London collective also featuring Bamidele Awoyemi, Farouk Agoro and Livia Wang – will work with the local community to develop a large-scale artwork for the Tessa Jowell Health Centre in East Dulwich, to be revealed in August.

The winning design - entitled The Health Centre’s Quilt - was chosen by NHS staff alongside artists and gallery staff. It will use fabric patterns and techniques to celebrate diverse identities, while also reflecting on the community role of health centres. The south London centre was named after the long-time Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, who died from a brain tumour in 2015.

From left to right: Bamidele Awoyemi, Farouk Agoro and Livia Wang

Brixton Bridge design by Farouk Agoro

A 2006 graduate from the BA Architecture course – who also did a PGDip in Architecture at Brighton – Farouk now works as both a painter and architect. Earlier this year, he was picked out for Architects Journal's “40 under 40” 2021 list of outstanding young practitioners. That accolade highlighted his work heading up collaborative London-based architectural practice Nooma Studio.

One recent high-profile project that drew on Farouk's painting work – inspired by continuous abstraction of pattern through repetition and colours – was the striking design that now adorns the Brixton Road bridge in south London, which was inspired by string vests!

Farouk said: “Studying in Brighton, I wasn't only just studying in the city, it was my home. That relationship was instrumental in my personal growth, as it allowed for a well-rounded experience of studying, living and working. In a way it formed part of my design thoughts around people, place and community as some of my closest relationships till this day were formed by that experience.”

Farouk also collaborates regularly with Livia Wang, a current lecturer at Brighton's School of Architecture and Design. Wang is also creative director at Van Gogh House London and director at San Mei Gallery, as well as teaching at the Royal College of Art.

Sinta Tantra, artist and member of the Dulwich judging panel, said: “We selected Bamidele Awoyemi, Farouk Agoro and Livia Wang from an outstanding shortlist of talented artists who responded to the brief in wonderful ways. I particularly enjoyed how each artist looked at innovative approaches to engage staff and patients. This new public artwork will function as an inspiring platform for mental health and well-being, whilst weaving together the individual stories of local residents and exploring the very heart of what makes Dulwich so diverse.”