INDEXDesign and architecture studio McCloy + Muchemwa has won the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) competition to design a playable sculptural structure at the Dulwich Picture Gallery Its proposal A Gift of Flowers is a collaboration with with HoLD Collective and engineer Cake Industries. The team will receive a build budget of 80,000 to develop and deliver their installation within a new sculpture garden at the gallery.Drawing inspiration from Dutch artist Jan van Huysums Vase with Flowers, the design reimagines the timeless art piece as a vibrant, playful installation that blends sensory exploration, creativity, and sustainability.The completed sculpture will form a key part of Dulwich Picture Gallerys sculpture garden, inviting visitors of all ages to explore, play, and relax amid the beauty of the gallerys historic grounds.AdvertisementThe Reimagining Play at Dulwich Picture Gallery competition invited concepts for a long-term installation that could inspire wonder and playfulness in audiences of all ages creating an inclusive welcome for visitors to the gallery.It is part of wider redevelopment plans by Carmody Groarke and Kim Wilkie, which will create the sculpture garden at the John Soane-designed Grade II*-listed gallery.The project is expected to complete in 2026 and to have a 10-year lifespan. The other finalists were SoUP; Projects Office with Dream Networks and Earth Tenders; Sett; TIP x CRAB; and Eleanor Dodman Architects with YAA Projects and 27 Beginnings.Dulwich Picture Gallery deputy director Chantelle Culshaw said: This unique collaboration brings to life Dulwich Picture Gallery and London Festival of Architectures vision for a fun, interactive and inclusive commission, which will reinvigorate a currently under-used part of our grounds.This iconic sculpture will encourage sensory-led, playful interactions from people of all ages. The team have placed access at the forefront of their design and have carefully considered sustainability using recycled materials, which will allow families to enjoy the sculpture for years to come.AdvertisementLFA director Rosa Rogina said: This imaginative design perfectly captures the essence of play and creativity, transforming Jan van Huysum's timeless artwork into an immersive experience.We are excited about the next phase of the project, which will see the winning team working with local communities and groups on translating their design concept into a piece of public art to inspire joy and wonder for all ages with the beauty of Dulwichs gardens as a backdrop.The Dulwich Picture Gallery first opened in 1817 and is believed to be Englands oldest public gallery. The innovative brick building features a series of interlinked, top-lit rooms which helped redefine standard approaches to gallery design.Rick Mather Architects renovated the building and created a separate caf and exhibition space nearby in 2001. Carmody Groarke won planning permission for a 4.5 million expansion of the gallery last year.The latest project comes five years after Pricegore, working with British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori, completed the Colour Palace pavilion at the gallery. The 150,000 temporary project was the focus of an earlier LFA competition series in which the inaugural commission was won by IF_DO in 2017.Commenting on the latest appointment, Ilori said: Id like to warmly congratulate McCloy + Muchemwa, HoLD Collective and Cake Industries on winning this years Reimagining Play competition.Their creation, A Gift of Flowers, immediately captivated me with its striking design, vibrant colours, dynamic composition, and sensorial textures. Ive always been an advocate for accessible art and play too, so loved how this work is interactive and able to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Im excited to see it come to life in 2026.Judges for the latest contest included Culshaw; Ilori; Helen Hillyard, curator at Dulwich Picture Gallery; Richard Leeming, councillor at the London Borough of Southwark; Krishan Nathaniel, principal urban designer at Harrow Council; and Binki Taylor, founding partner at the Brixton Project.The six shortlisted teams each received an honorarium of 1,000 to further develop their designs and engage in initial participation workshops with target audiences.Winner: A Gift of Flowers by McCloy + Muchemwa with HoLD Collective and Cake IndustriesDrawing inspiration from Jan van Huysums Vase with Flowers, the winning design reimagines the timeless masterpiece into a vibrant, playful installation that blends sensory exploration, creativity, and sustainability. The sculpture will form a key part of Dulwich Picture Gallerys sculpture garden, inviting visitors of all ages to explore, play, and relax amidst the beauty of the gallerys historic grounds.A Gift of Flowers incorporates bold petal-like forms made from reclaimed steel, painted in vibrant, weatherproof hues. The installation encourages sensory engagement, offering opportunities for climbing, sliding, and resting while fostering connections between art, nature, and community. The project was developed with input from local families through engagement workshops, which will continue as the project progresses. Through developing the design together with families, the team will ensure it resonates with the surrounding community and its users.Shortlisted teamsMcCloy + Muchemwa with HoLD Collective and Cake Industries [WINNER]SoUPProjects Office, Dream Networks and Earth TendersSettTIP x CRABEleanor Dodman Architects, YAA Projects and 27 Beginnings2024-12-05Merlin Fulchercomment and share