© Nathan Piccio
Camden High Street has a new civic square thanks to the installation of ‘subSTRATUM’ by Edgy Collective and LINDA. The installation comes from the ‘Square’ Camden High Street Design Competition, a partnership between LFA and the London Borough of Camden, open to emerging artists and designers.
After its public unveiling on October 30th, the meanwhile civic square will now remain in place on Camden High Street until Autumn 2026, inviting residents and visitors to engage with the streetscape and make use of the inclusive seating. The overarching goal of the project is to transform the high street from a place of transit into a place to gather, connect, and celebrate Camden’s diverse community.
Forming part of the wider year-long Cultural Programme by Camden Council, the design will contribute to the trial pedestrianisation of the area providing a test-and-learn opportunity from the temporary public realm improvement, with the potential to contribute towards a future permanent scheme.
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, said: “The winning design, Camden subSTRATUM captures the spirit of Camden — bold, inclusive, and community-driven and to better serve the people who live, work, and visit here.
Developed to respond to feedback from a public consultation and delivered through a local collaboration, the design introduces inclusive seating, greenery, and sustainable materials to create a welcoming and accessible public space.”
The Winning Design
Camden subSTRATUM reimagines the high street as a civic square that places people and nature at its centre. Developed in response to public consultation, the design introduces inclusive seating, greenery, and sustainable materials to create a welcoming, accessible public space that celebrates Camden Town’s character.
A continuous, level surface improves accessibility and safety for all. Curving planters ripple through the square, slowing the pace of movement and encouraging moments of rest and connection. Underfoot, a punk stud-inspired pattern radiates from the centre – a subtle tribute to Camden’s iconic musical and cultural heritage.
Seating is made from locally sourced, naturally fallen London oak, with organic edges preserved to reflect the passage of time. Arranged for flexibility – from social gatherings to solo reflection – the design ensures wheelchair users can sit alongside others in comfort and equality.
The planting scheme prioritises resilience and biodiversity. Recycled materials enhance drainage and reduce water use, while local gardeners will continue to care for the evolving landscape.
Two illuminated buoy sculptures act as playful wayfinding markers that reference Camden’s spirit of exploration.
The project is a celebration of local collaboration: The Castlehaven Community Association leads outreach, engagement, and care of the planting and Camden-based Fallen and Felled supplied and fabricated the timber seating, while Wilkinson & Rivera crafted the wooden hives.
To contribute towards subSTRATUM, Edgy Collective have created a sensory map of the Camden and wider area. See more here.
Looking Ahead
Accompanying the installation is a seasonal programme of events that celebrates Camden’s global community and traditions, while additional community-led events will be supported through an open application process, ensuring the space remains active, inclusive, and responsive to local voices.
With the installation to be in place until Autumn 2026, local gardeners will maintain the new planters, ensuring the space remains vibrant and welcoming all year round. Camden Council will continue to gather data from the trial to assess its impact and guide positive long-term change. More information on the trial and how to share your views can be found here.
You can see more on the design competition and the winning team here.
© Nathan Piccio
