‘Moon Bloom’ by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective © Jane Lam | September 2024
London Festival of Architecture and Sutton Council have proudly unveiled ‘Moon Bloom’, a design installation celebrating Sutton’s vibrant community and cultural diversity. Created by Adrienne Lau of Edgy Collective, with support from Successful Sutton, the installation now graces Trinity Square, bringing with it a message of unity, harmony, and heritage.
Inspired by the Mid-Autumn Festival—a celebration of family and togetherness in many East Asian cultures—’Moon Bloom’ features an interactive garden with a striking moon gate as its centrepiece. This traditional architectural element invites visitors to pass through and discover a serene urban oasis, symbolising the shared stories and values of Sutton’s diverse population. The moon gate, shaped like a full moon, serves as a poignant symbol of community cohesion, reflecting the cultural essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival that inspired its design.
The installation is a product of inclusive community engagement, as Sutton residents were invited to participate in drawing and writing sessions to share their reflections on local festivals and cultural traditions. These collective stories were woven into the final design, transforming ‘Moon Bloom’ into a true representation of Sutton’s voice and identity.
‘Moon Bloom’ by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective © Jane Lam | September 2024
Adrienne Lau emphasized the significance of the community in shaping this project: “Moon Bloom has become a powerful cultural statement, reflecting Sutton’s remarkable diversity and the strength of empathy through creative community engagement. It also highlights the sustainable practice of harvesting rainwater for irrigation, showcasing an approach that could be adopted more widely. It’s been inspiring to push the boundaries of design in the public realm, thanks to the support and openness of Sutton Council and the London Festival of Architecture. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring this vision to life.”
At the heart of the project is its focus on sustainability. The garden features plants that are not only suitable for the local environment but also attract pollinators, highlighting the role of urban biodiversity. The installation also incorporates an innovative rainwater harvesting system, created from re-purposed tarpaulin used during the community workshops. This eco-conscious design underscores the importance of sustainability in public art and urban planning.
‘Moon Bloom’ by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective © Jane Lam | September 2024
Sutton’s growing Hong Kong community played a key role in inspiring the installation, with the moon gate symbolising the cultural traditions they have brought to the borough. In paying tribute to Sutton’s evolving identity, the installation becomes a living testament to the borough’s commitment to celebrating its diverse residents and their stories.
Rosa Rogina, Director, London Festival of Architecture, praised the installation for its collaborative spirit and cultural significance: “’Moon Bloom’ is a brilliant showcase of the passion and dedication of local groups. This project is a true collaboration, demonstrating how great design can beautifully honour the traditions of different communities while sparking meaningful conversations about the future of their area. It’s a vivid celebration of place and people, weaving together history, culture, and forward-thinking ideas in a way that strengthens community ties and reimagines the neighbourhood’s identity for future generations.”
As ‘Moon Bloom’ officially opened on September 21, 2024, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, the installation offers a space for reflection, cultural exchange, and celebration. While the garden is a temporary feature in Trinity Square, it will soon find a permanent home in Sutton, ensuring its lasting impact on the community for generations to come.
‘Moon Bloom’ by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective © Jane Lam | September 2024
In addition to exploring the installation, visitors were invited to participate in cultural activities throughout the festival weekend, further celebrating the traditions and histories that make Sutton a unique part of London’s cultural landscape.
‘Moon Bloom’ by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective © Jane Lam | September 2024
A Legacy of Creativity and Connection
‘Moon Bloom’ goes beyond aesthetics, showcasing the power of design to bring people together and shape a shared vision for the future. By blending historical symbolism with sustainable practices, this installation stands as both a tribute to Sutton’s past and a beacon for its future.
Councillor Jake Short, Chair of Sutton’s Housing, Economy and Business Committee said: “I was overjoyed to see the incredible Moon Gate during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Sutton is an increasingly diverse borough, and I’m glad the Council and our partners are supporting all of our communities to express themselves through the arts and culture. The Town Centre was abuzz all throughout the day as even more people than usual took an interest in what’s going on in Trinity Square, the Library and other venues throughout the Town Centre.”
‘Moon Bloom’ by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective © Jane Lam | September 2024
