Architects, designers and artists are invited to draw up inclusive, artistic proposals for new seating concepts which encourage people to pause, connect, and enjoy the central London area which currently suffers from a lack of accessible public seating.The Fitz&Sits competition backed by The Fitzrovia Partnership is the second in a planned series of contests focussing on improving key gateways into Fitzrovia in central London. Able and Elliott Wood won an earlier LFA contest for a temporary public realm installation outside Warren Street tube station last year.Five winning teams, to be announced in mid February, will each receive a build budget of 3,000 and a 500 designer fee. The winning concepts will be installed this summer in time for LFA which this year focusses on the theme of Voices and the incorporation of diverse narratives into designs which celebrate local heritage, contemporary influences, and creative spirit.AdvertisementJulie Grail, interim chief operating officer of The Fitzrovia Partnership said: Were excited for LFA2025 and how the theme Voices will be an integral part of connecting the Fitzrovia community through the districts highly creative and inclusive public realm intervention and solution.The Fitz&Sits trail will be the foundation for economic, environmental and social activity within the community for June 2025 and beyond.LFA director Rosa Rogina said: Fitzrovias rich history and creative energy make it the perfect setting to showcase the transformative power of design through Fitz&Sits. This competition not only addresses the need for welcoming public spaces but also invites designers to amplify the diverse voices and stories that shape our cities.Were excited to see bold, imaginative proposals that redefine what public seating can be and celebrate the community spirit of Fitzrovia.The latest competition seeks vibrant, sustainable seating solutions which could transform the area into a dynamic public realm showcase. Concepts should reflect the areas unique personality while providing inclusive, inviting spaces for residents, workers, and visitors to relax and connect.AdvertisementSubmissions which embrace circular economy principles and accessible design are encouraged. The contest launch comes two years and a half after NOOMA Studio won an earlier LFA competition for a creative 25,000 public realm installation in nearby Phoenix Road, Somers Town.Potential sites earmarked for the new seating concepts include Berners Street, Crabtree Fields, Charlotte Street, Cleveland Street, Gosfield Street, Great Portland Street, Great Titchfield Street, New Cavendish Street, Newman Street, Riding House Street, Tottenham Court Road, Warren Street and Wells Street.Bids to deliver the project will be evaluated 30 per cent on team profile, 40 per cent on initial vision, and 30 per cent on feasibility. Applications should include biographies; a 200-word practice description; 300-words explaining the reasons for applying; a visualisation; construction detail; and an outline materials, budget and production process.Competition detailsProject title Fitz&SitsClient The Fitzrovia PartnershipContract value 17,500First round deadline Midday, 31 January 2025Restrictions The competition is open to emerging architects, landscape architects, designers and artists. Collaborations are welcomed; however, the project team must include a qualified architect or landscape architect.Applicants need to fulfil at least two of the following criteria to be eligible for this competition:being no more than seven years postgraduate from your most recent qualificationbeing under 40set up your practice / collaboration in the past three yearsbe part of a team within a larger practice that meets criteria 1 and 2The judges encourage entries from, or collaborations with groups who are underrepresented in architecture and designJudges Bee de Soto, Head of Marketing and Communications, The Fitzrovia Partnership; Lavinia Scaletti, Placeshaping Manager, London Borough of Camden; Katie Fisher, LFA Pews and Perches Winner 2024; Rosa Rogina, Director, London Festival of Architecture ChairMore information https://www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/fitzsits-design-competition/