Architectural Designer & Visual Artist Rayan Elnayal alongside Civil Engineer and DJ Heba Tabidi’s response to resist the structures and institutions that govern the built environment profession in the UK is Space Black. The studio explores underrepresented and under resourced ideas in the built environment. Together they imagine alternative spatial futures for marginalised communities, by combining their Sudanese identity, diasporic experience and technical training.
The collection delves into the network of Afro-Arab third places nestled within London's urban landscape. These curated spaces span a diverse range of architectures, each uniquely adopted and adapted to foster communal gathering and cultural exchange. The curation seeks to unveil the interconnectedness of communities, often closely knit in proximity yet rich in cultural diversity. These architectures, encompassing cultural institutions, culinary spots, and places of worship, serve as vital sanctuaries for immigrants navigating the bustling metropolis and significantly contribute to London's diverse social and urban fabric.
