The installation of Shine a Light on Wilcox Road by NOOMA Studio is now complete, enhancing this much-loved local high street with vibrant new public realm features. In partnership between the London Festival of Architecture and the London Borough of Lambeth, the installation consists of a co-designed mural, banners, and a bespoke illuminated gateway sign.
This intervention strengthens the connection between South Lambeth Road and the new Nine Elms Underground Station, creating a welcoming gateway that celebrates the area’s character, increases footfall and supports local businesses.
The project was commissioned through a design competition we led with Lambeth Council back in 2022. NOOMA Studio’s winning scheme, Shine a Light on Wilcox Road, was selected for its distinctive approach, thoughtfully reviving the character of this important local centre by celebrating the lost traditions of craft and interactivity on British high streets.
Drawing on the area’s rich history and the voices of the local community, the completed scheme includes co-designed banners representing local businesses, bespoke shop signage inspired by traditional typographies.
Visitors approaching from South Lambeth Road are now welcomed by a narrative trail of colour, craft, and light. Bright flags hover above the street, guiding the eye past parked vehicles and toward a unique mural and interactive features that honour Wilcox Road’s legacy as a vibrant local high street.
NOOMA Studio’s final design builds on four core principles:
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- Limiting street clutter by repurposing existing infrastructure
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- Enhancing wayfinding from Nine Elms Station into Wilcox Road, an area historically known as little Portugal
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- Creating a lasting legacy through rotating murals by local artists
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- Celebrating local business through co-designed banner graphics and signage
The final installation reflects close collaboration with local retailers and residents. Several design elements—such as iconography representing Wilcox Road’s diverse trade mix—were developed through community engagement and workshops.
Wilcox Road is home to an eclectic mix of retail, hospitality, and community spaces, including several Portuguese-owned businesses that anchor the local identity. The completed project honours this heritage while creating a more inviting, connected, and culturally expressive public realm.
View all of our design competitions here.
About Nooma Studio:
NOOMA Studio is an award-winning interdisciplinary practice of architects and creatives with a heartfelt connection to London. We are here to problem solve and create joyful spaces which support human thriving and wellbeing. We create accessible, people-led spaces through investigation, engagement, design, delivery and post occupancy support. NOOMA is founded on diversity and our membership is formed of Londoners from non-traditional backgrounds.
NOOMA Studio is a member of the LHC’s OJEU compliant Architecture and Design Services framework. Accolades include The Architects’ Journal’s 40 under 40 as ‘one of Architecture’s brightest up and coming talents’, The RIBA Journal’s Rising Stars and Archiboo’s Best Newcomer.
Images 1,4,5,6,7,8 (c) Nathan Piccio.
Images 2,3,4 (c) Nooma Studio
