London's Royal Academy Launches 'Urban Jigsaw' Ideas Competition

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The Royal Academy of Arts in London have launched a new international ideas competition which aims "to refocus attention to the huge potential of the brownfield sites that still exist across London." 'Brownfield' sites, or those earmarked for potential building development that have had previous development on them, are plentiful in the UK capital. This competition seeks "speculative ideas [which] make the most of these missing pieces in London’s urban jigsaw."

We’re inviting architects to select their own site and devise a brief based on what they believe to be the best use of the site, informed by research into the needs and potential of the local area. These could be obvious practical needs, such as housing, a park or space for businesses, or could be more conceptual: in terms of bolstering civic identity through a community space, public art commission or new institution. We are looking for thoughtful and original ideas that should be grounded in reality but need not be constrained by budget or feasibility, instead, showing what could be achieved by innovative ideas and approaches.

You can download the brief (PDF) in full here. Deadline for submissions is on the 5th October 2015.

You can read more about the competition here.