Winner selected for London Bridge wayfinding competition

The competition – which attracted 36 entries – was open to architects, designers and artists, who were invited to produce design concepts for the transformation of the triangular space where Tooley Street meets Duke Street Hill, opposite London Bridge Station..

You Are Here by Charles Holland Architects is conceived as a page of the London A-Z come to life, helping the thousands of people using London Bridge every day to find their way around the area, and transforming the overlooked piece of pavement into a local landmark and meeting point.

It has two parts: a scale map of the area around London Bridge printed onto the pavement, complete with street names and major landmarks, and a giant signpost with local directions and information on it. The triangular beacon is intended as a visual symbol for the Tooley Street Triangle and also has a bench to allow passers-by to take a breather.

The competition was judged by a panel including Jonas Lencer (director, dRMM), Jack Skillen (placeshaping director, Team London Bridge), Tamsie Thomson (director, London Festival of Architecture) and Matthew Hill (head of highways, Southwark Council).

"Our proposal responded directly to their brief for improving the public realm around Tooley Street Triangle whilst aiming to bring a sense of playfulness and delight," said Charles Holland.

"We are now very excited to be working with the team to develop the proposals to fruition."

Subject to planning consent, You Are Here will be installed in 2019. The total project budget is £23,000 + VAT.

Tamsie Thomson, director of the London Festival of Architecture, said: "Getting lost outside London Bridge is a familiar feeling for millions of people – but not for long, thanks to Charles Holland Architects' charming landmark.

"The competition has demonstrated how architecture – even at a relatively small scale – can have an enormously positive impact, and I'm looking forward to working with Charles and his team on this very exciting project."

Jack Skillen, placeshaping director at Team London Bridge, said: "London Bridge is a world-class destination for business and tourism, and yet this little space can be both confusing and underwhelming for the thousands of people coming here.

"What we loved about Charles Holland's concept over the other brilliant entries was the way a beautifully designed object can solve these problem head on, helping people to meet up, look around, and orientate themselves.

"It enlivens a key gateway to encourage people to explore some of our quieter routes to the river, Tower Bridge and Borough Market."