London’s Famous Police Boxes Could Be Turned Into Large Stones In Major Redesign
Image by Unknown Works via New London Architecture
In a massive step into modernity, the famous Tardis could be traveling back in time. London’s unmistakable Police Boxes, made internationally known by the long-running Doctor Who series, are due for a revamp as the city believes they have become obsolete.
Formerly kiosks that members of the public could use to contact the police, the structures have faded into ornamental objects in the digital era. So, in February, the City of London Police launched a design competition to regenerate them with new meaning. Six proposals were shortlisted in June, with architecture studio Unknown Works bagging the winner’s title.
The chosen project, titled London Stones, envisions the Police Boxes being used as compact public service kiosks and community centers, all while embracing eco life.
In the design brief, creatives were asked to conceptualize ‘Digital Service Points’ that “seamlessly blend in” to existing infrastructure. Unknown Works faithfully heeded this criteria; as its name suggests, the London Stone appears as a boulder within the city, and is constructed with natural rock meant to last 200 years.
Inspired by the historical wayfinding London Stone of the past, the modern kiosk is visualized with touchscreens offering access to city information. According to Fast Company, the displays’ UX will be designed by Seymourpowell, which was previously in charge of the Virgin Galactic cabin.
When manned by a police officer, the London Stone opens up to reveal the displays and shared seating, which the public can freely use even when they don’t need to report an incident.
As it ages, the structure attracts lichen—and all this is deliberate in hopes to bring the ecosystem into the city.
By night, passersby would be treated to colorful artwork, projected on the rocks’ surfaces, by local creators. Unknown Works founding director said the structures would never feel closed and should always “hum with energy.”
The London Stone would also serve as an emergency storage unit holding essentials like a fire extinguisher, defibrillator, and police tape. Some of these items will supposedly be accessible by the general public too, as the kiosk should be more of “shared territory” than an office exclusive to law enforcement.
“This thrilling design by Unknown Works has transformed the humble police box into an innovative and creative ‘Digital Service Point’ which is entirely suitable for the 21st Century and will serve the Square Mile’s residents, workers and visitors long into the future,” describes Graham Packham, Chairman of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee at the City of London Corporation, in a press release. “This winning concept design provides the blueprint for a key piece of infrastructure for the Square Mile, whilst also being sustainable and entirely complimentary to the unique City environment.”
The London police will now expand on the idea and come up with a working prototype to install as the first redesigned Police Box in the Square Mile.
Image by Unknown Works via New London Architecture
Image by Unknown Works via New London Architecture
[via Fast Company, images by Unknown Works via New London Architecture]
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