Reflections; Empowering Communities

Our work on the tennis pavilion for CourtX in Southsea, Portsmouth stands as a testament to the belief in the power of architecture to bring people together. In designing the pavilion, we not only catered to the functional needs of the ten grass tennis courts which were restored from a state of neglect to international standard, but also created a welcoming space for players, spectators, and the local community. By integrating enduring sustainable materials and carefully considering the local context, we ensured that the pavilion harmonized with its surroundings and will age and weather gracefully. The generous use of glazing allows natural light to flood the interior spaces, connecting visitors to the activities within the building, and the outdoor environment and fostering a sense of well-being. This project exemplifies our commitment to elevating the community experience of recreational facilities and creates a platform for an active and engaged community.

Similarly, our Lottery-funded visitor centre in Ham Hill Somerset, which obtained planning permission last summer, showcases our approach to collaboration and community inclusion. By working closely with the local authority (owner and operator) and the local community, we designed a centre that not only highlights the natural beauty and historical significance of the area, which is a scheduled ancient monument, but also meets the needs of residents of the area and visitors. Our design seamlessly integrates modern aesthetics with natural materials that are low in embodied carbon, respecting the sensitive archaeological and landscape context and fostering a sense of local pride. The centre will serve as a hub for education, interpretation, and community events, strengthening the social fabric of the area and like Court X will we hope will become a catalyst for community engagement.

At PAD studio, we believe that great architecture can be an agent of change and have a profound impact on empowering communities. Through inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainable design, these projects have the potential to transform, forging stronger social bonds, enhancing well-being, and fostering local pride. These endeavours attract businesses, stimulate job creation, and contribute to the growth of the local economy. Through the thoughtful design of public buildings and spaces, we can create gathering places that foster social cohesion, interaction, and a sense of belonging. By actively involving the community in the design process, we ensure that the spaces we create truly serve their needs and aspirations. Furthermore, embedding sustainable design principles allows us to minimize the environmental impact of our projects and promote awareness and discussion around climate change.

As a B-Corp we are committed to balancing people, places and profit. We donate at least 10% of our turnover to charities who share our passion for community change, by donating pro-bono time. Often this helps them to get projects started, and we help them to articulate their vision so that they can have meaningful discussions with their communities, funders and planners. If you have a community project that you are committed to, that we can help with, please get in touch.