Whilst working at Red Deer, we were asked to collaborate with British artist Yinka Ilori MBE on the delivery of the Thessaly Road Railway Bridge permanent art installation called “Happy Street”. Yinka's work is known for its storytelling and bold use of colour and this project was off the back of his successful bid for the London Festival of Architecture. He was commissioned by Wandsworth Council to bring colour and joy to what was previously a grim passage between Wandsworth Road and Nine Elms. Yinka’s concept was inspired by a radiant sunset over the River Thames and whilst at Red Deer, we were tasked to bring his ideas to life.

We cladded the tunnel with enamel panels, each decorated with different patterns that replicate a palette of colours, each one individually representing seven types of happiness. The project was the result of a bottom-up process involving a series of meetings that Red Deer, together with Yinka, had with the local community and the primary school. Our role in this project was implementation architect and coordination with the structural engineer.

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Photography © Luke O'Donovan