Meridian Water
Project
Meridian Water (M4)
Client
Enfield Council
Project Team
Karakusevic Carson Architects
Location
Enfield, North London
Beyond the Box collaborated with Karakusevic Carson Architects on the Meridian Water Social Value project in Enfield, North London. This partnership aimed to create a site-specific initiative in alignment with Enfield Council’s strategic priorities. Over the course of nine months, we led a customized Design Leaders Programme featuring weekly creative workshops. These sessions focused on architectural design, community engagement, and co-design principles, actively involving the local youth community.
As part of the Design Leaders Programme, Beyond the Box provided paid employment opportunities to three young Londoners. These emerging leaders were integral to the design and facilitation of the project, working closely with our team. In collaboration with the NYCC youth centre, a local charity in Edmonton Green, they designed and constructed a new space, demonstrating the power of community-driven projects.
Co-design In Action
Check out our video to witness how this project unfolded, driven by collaboration and innovation. Together with young Londoners, we partnered to create an arcade space at the NYCC youth center, tailored specifically for their peers.
The Programme
Design Leaders Programme: Weekly sessions at Edmonton Green Library introduced young leaders to architectural principles, co-design practices, and user-centred design.
Community Partnership: Collaborated with Youth & Community Connexions (NYCC) to redesign a multifunctional space within their youth centre.
Professional Exposure: Organised a visit to the Karakusevic Carson Architects studio for young leaders to gain insights into the architectural profession and receive guidance on CVs and portfolios.
Pitch and Development: Facilitated a dragons' den style pitch, where design leaders presented their ideas, and the selected arcade/games design was further developed into architectural drawings.
Highlights
Partnership with NYCC: The collaboration with NYCC allowed young leaders to act as clients, better understanding the needs and constraints of redesigning community spaces.
Professional Guidance: The visit to Karakusevic Carson Architects provided young leaders with professional insights and inspiration, enhancing their design development process.
Creative and Functional Design: The project culminated in a multifunctional arcade space, reflecting sustainability, creativity, accessibility, and social value.
Meet Design Leader Zaeem
Meet Design Leader Tim
“I loved the experience and I appreciate the opportunity given to work in the KCA space. Really felt a part of the team working on the same software I saw other architects using for their other projects.”
Zaeem Abudallahi - Design Facilitator
Developing The Designs
Grand Opening: NYCC's New Arcade and Games Space
Results & Impact
Empowerment and Skill Development: Young leaders gained valuable experience in design, budgeting, fundraising, and project management.
Employment and Economic Impact: Created three paid jobs, 150 employment hours, and secured £3,000+ of in-kind contributions.
Community Engagement: Engaged with five collaborative organizations and secured three local paid commissions, including work with graffiti artist Reves and local carpenter Vincent.
Funding Success: Raised £1,706 through crowdfunding initiatives, including bake sales and a fundraising video.
Space Activation: Successfully built and activated the arcade space, involving local collaborators and benefiting the local youth community