Peckham Masquerade Arcade

Understanding Peckham Rye Lane

Site Analysis

Peckham Rye Lane serves as a marketing tool for local stores to attract customers who live in the surrounding community. Interestingly, as one walks down the lane, there is a gradual decline in its appeal, but it still remains an important shopping destination for the residents of Peckham. This symbiotic relationship between the residents and the businesses in the area extends beyond Peckham Rye Lane to Peckham High Street as well. Housing is integrated into the streets, and while the streets serve as an advertisement, they cannot sustain themselves with just that purpose and must accommodate through alternative means like housing. Unfortunately, this has turned the relationship from symbiotic to parasitic, with the housing sector physically consuming the vertical spaces above the business sector. In the midst of all this, conservation areas play a significant role in preserving the unique architectural and historic character of Peckham Rye and its surrounding areas.



Site Observation

Understanding the community within Peckham Rye

For and Against Peckham's Rye Development

Against Peckham Rye's DevelopmentĀ 

Peckham is generally seen as a welcoming and safe neighbourhood, but South London has a negative reputation due to a lack of social housing and after-school activities, which have pushed some residents out. During COVID-19, the NEST youth centre was opened by the council to provide mentoring and computer access to young people up to 18 years old. However, some residents feel that Peckham is losing its identity due to gentrification, and there is a lack of a joint approach to adapting the neighbourhood. There are concerns that introducing chains and threatening existing markets could cause Peckham to lose its identity. On the other hand, there are great independent small stores run by social entrepreneurs that positively impact the community. Housing segregation is an issue in Peckham, and green spaces are segregated as well. Despite this, Peckham has a unique and authentic character, with an element of hustling that represents the community. Peckham Rye Station is the busiest interchange station in the country, but it lacks step-free access to platforms or accessible facilities, which is illegal.Ā 

For Peckham Rye's DevelopmentĀ 

Some people have negative perceptions of Peckham, describing it as having a "dystopia vibe" and being run down. However, others disagree with these stereotypes, saying that it is not as bad as people make it out to be. Some residents believe that the area needs a complete makeover, but others acknowledge that it is being gentrified. While some people feel that Peckham is unsafe, others note that this may be due to a lack of familiarity with the area.Ā 

Solution Programmes

Why these programmes?

I decided to pick these solutions because they address some of the key challenges facing Peckham. The surplus production of exported cultural food is a valuable resource that could be harnessed to generate revenue and support local production. By reducing waste and retaining money within the community, Peckham could benefit from increased economic activity and improved quality of life for its residents. Additionally, promoting cultural appreciation could help to counteract negative perceptions of the area and create a sense of community pride.

The proposals for mentorship programs and community spaces for studying and relaxation could also contribute to a sense of accountability and responsibility while providing young people with positive role models and opportunities for personal growth. By instilling a sense of community responsibility and fostering positive relationships between different groups in the community, it may be possible to reduce gang activity and other forms of violence in the area.

Finally, the idea of opening communal spaces for relaxation and socializing could provide an important outlet for residents who may feel isolated or disconnected from the wider community. By creating a hub for social activity and community engagement, Peckham could become a more vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. Overall, these solutions have the potential to contribute to the revitalization of Peckham and to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Peckham Rye Arcade

Location

Peckham Rye Arcade is located in front of Peckham Rye Station and features a path connecting the station to Peckham Rye Lane. It previously operated under the Peckham system, drawing people in with its market. However, it now appears abandoned, and while I am unsure of the reasons, external factors may be to blame. I chose this site due to its unique structure and immense potential to activate the path from the station to Peckham Rye Lane. The site embodies the current feel of Peckham and requires an internal jumpstart.Ā 

Existing Floor Plans

Design Development

Ground Floor Development

First Floor Development

Second Floor Development

Third Floor Development

Programme Placement DevelopmentĀ 

Floor Plans

Isometric + Axonometric Views

Elevation Drawings + Context

Section Elevation Drawing + Detail Drawing

Project Moments

Render Video of Site

Video 1.mp4
Video 2.mp4