The winner is GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA Consulting, with their Beyond the Bridge proposal, which aims to boost community engagement, sustainability and safety while reflecting the rich cultural identity of Wandsworth.GPAD and POoR Collective said: We are delighted to be selected to design the Transformation of Falcon Road Bridge. We know the area very well, as the team have worked with local schools and co-designed installations nearby.We are super-excited to co-design another project in Wandsworth and to include local young people, residents and community groups throughout the process. This project gives opportunity for meaningful community engagement that will help shape the design to enrich the local environment for residents and visitors alike.AdvertisementWinner: GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA ConsultingThe other finalists included Adams & Sutherland with Studio ANF, make:good and Artin Light; andre kong studio with Arup and Kanda; Assemble with Samara Scott, Flock Together, Studio Dekka, Stinsensqueeze and Momentum; and Voice B4 Vision.Also shortlisted are Alvaro Barrington with Casswell Bank Architects, Aldo Rinaldi, Our Building Design, ARUP, and Stockdale; and Flanagan Lawrence with Social Space, Arup, Expedition, Light Follows Behaviour, Mo Almedia, Mark and Theo Chaudoir.Each team received an honorarium of 1,500 to further develop their designs and present them to a public audience for consultation. All seven designs were also displayed in three local locations and online with the public invited to submit feedback.The competition invited architects, landscape architects, designers and artists to draw up concepts for the poorly lit, congested and under-maintained town centre underpass, which would transform it into a new vibrant, artistic space connecting north and south Battersea.It also aims to improve safety and accessibility, create a pleasant and joyful environment for all users of the 100m-long route, and deliver a visually striking intervention that promotes sustainable travel while celebrating local heritage and diversity.AdvertisementThe winning team will now lead the fabrication and installation of their concept, to be completed by autumn 2025 to coincide with Wandsworths year as the Mayor of Londons Borough of Culture. The budget includes an indicative 12.5 per cent to cover design fees and other management costs.LFA director Rosa Rogina said: Beyond the Bridge beautifully embodies the spirit of transformation and inclusivity that is at the heart of the London Festival of Architecture. By weaving the voices and stories of Wandsworths communities into the design, this project celebrates local identity in a deeply meaningful way.We are thrilled to see such a visionary and community-focused proposal come to life, redefining Falcon Road Bridge as a landmark of connection, creativity, and pride for all who pass through it.Simon Hogg, leader of Wandsworth Council, which is backing the scheme, said: Im delighted to welcome the winning bridge design team to Wandsworth to help us make a real difference to the Clapham Junction area and involve local people in the project.As part of our Decade of Renewal, the makeover to Falcon Road Bridge will be paid for by property developers. This new bridge design will provide a better and brighter route and create a new landmark for the borough during our year as London Borough of Culture 2025.The Falcon Road Bridge covers a 100m-long stretch of road running underneath railway tracks at the eastern end of Clapham Junction station in the heart of Battersea. Source:Image by Kes EcclestonContest site: Falcon Road Bridge, BatterseaThe competition judges included artist Helen Cammock; Anthony Dewar, professional head buildings and architecture at Network Rail; Jagdip Jagpal, art curator and chair of UP Projects; and Satu Streatfield, specialist associate, night-time and lighting at Publica.The competition comes four years after an overhaul of nearby Thessaly Road railway bridge was completed by artist and designer Yinka Ilori. His Happy Street concept won an earlier LFA contest. Emerging practice Projects Office won an LFA competition to revamp a disused railway arch in Nine Elms in 2021.The Winning Design: Beyond the BridgeWinner: GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA ConsultingBeyond the Bridge transforms the underpass into a welcoming and inspiring environment, addressing key community concerns such as safety, lighting, and noise reduction. Central to the design is the concept of community ownership:Dynamic Lighting: Responsive and artistic lighting enhances visibility and celebrates local cultural events, creating a vibrant and safe space day and night.Green Gateway: A focus on air quality and biodiversity introduces pollinator-friendly plants and accessible micro-gardens.Community Wayfinding and Art: The underpass features a 'Memories of Wandsworth' wayfinding wall, co-designed with local residents, celebrating landmarks and stories through art and dynamic murals.Acoustic Comfort: Panels integrated with artistic elements reduce noise and improve comfort for all users, including neurodivergent individuals.The shortlistAdams & Sutherland with Studio ANF, make:good and Artin Lightandre kong studio with Arup and KandaAssemble, Samara Scott, Flock Together, Studio Dekka, Stinsensqueeze, MomentumAlvaro Barrington, Casswell Bank Architects, Aldo Rinaldi, Our Building Design, ARUP, and StockdaleVoice B4 VisionFlanagan Lawrence with Social Place, Expedition, ARUP, Light Follows Behaviour, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Mo Almedia, Mark and Theo Chaudoir[WINNER] GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA Consulting