PROJECTS > OUR STREET - BARBICAN CENTRE
Our Street transformed The Curve at the Barbican Centre into a playful, community-focused pop-up street full of activities, games and creative engagement. Designed as an imaginary neighbourhood, the space invited visitors of all ages to explore hopscotch, hula-hooping, crafting, board games and more — a place to meet, play and reconnect through collective experience.
This creative takeover was realised with input from local school children, architects and artists, bringing a sense of community and wonder to one of London’s most iconic cultural venues.
Creative Team
Our Street was designed and delivered by a multidisciplinary team including:
• Anna Bruder – Interactive artist, A Line Art
• Paul Burgess – Designer, theatre-maker, activist
• Shaun Ihejetoh – West Port Architects
• Matt Munday – Artist and illustrator
• Williamz Omope – Photographer and social entrepreneur
• Joel Scott – Games makers, Goat & Monkey
• Roxy Velvet – Artist, Velvet Underground Tattoo
• and cycle-powered innovators Electric Pedals for live energy generation within the space.
Produced by Rachel Harris.
Installation
Two X-Bikes and one hand generator installed within The Curve
Human-powered bird song soundscapes activated by cycling
Thunder and lightning effects within cloud installations powered live by visitors
Integrated energy systems embedded into a playful, community-built street environment
Engineered for safe, continuous public interaction in a high-footfall cultural venue
Impact
Visitors physically powered elements of the environment, shifting from audience to participant
Movement directly triggered sound and atmospheric lighting effects
Energy generation became part of the artistic language of the exhibition
Strengthened themes of shared space, play and collective contribution
Demonstrated how engineered systems can enhance participatory public art
Outcome
Successfully delivered robust human-powered systems within a major London arts institution
Seamlessly integrated engineering into a multidisciplinary creative collaboration
Showcased the adaptability of X-Bike and hand-crank systems in cultural environments