‘Fitz&Sits’ Design Competition , London / Vereinigtes Königreich

 

London Festival of Architecture

The Fitzrovia Partnership

 

London Festival of Architecture and The Fitzrovia Partnership have launched Fitz&Sits, a new design competition inviting architects, designers, and artists to create innovative seating solutions for Fitzrovia’s public spaces.

 

Fitzrovia, known for its bohemian character and creative heritage, currently lacks accessible public seating. Fitz&Sits aims to address this by transforming the area with a trail of inclusive, artistic seating designs that invite people to pause, connect, and enjoy their surroundings. The competition aligns with the LFA2025 theme, Voices, encouraging designers to reflect the diverse stories and identities that shape Fitzrovia.

 

Designs should be functional, visually striking, inclusive, and sustainable. They must also respond to Fitzrovia’s unique streetscape while remaining feasible within a £3,500 budget. Five winning teams will receive £3,000 to fabricate and install their seating ahead of LFA2025, plus a £500 design fee. This initiative offers emerging designers the opportunity to gain visibility and contribute to London’s public realm.

 

The competition builds on last year’s successful wayfinding installation outside Warren Street Station, as part of a four-year collaboration between LFA and The Fitzrovia Partnership. This year’s focus on public seating highlights how design can enhance urban spaces and foster a greater sense of community.

 

The winning designs will be showcased during LFA2025, bringing fresh, functional, and playful seating to this central London neighbourhood.

 

The competition is open to emerging architects, landscape architects, designers and artists. We welcome collaborations; however, the project team must include a qualified architect or landscape architect.

 

Submissions open: 18 December 2024

Submissions closed: 31 January 2025

Judging: Week commencing 3 February 2025

Winners notified: Week commencing 17 February 2025

Benches installed by: 30 May 2025

Benches deinstalled: Summer 2025