Pettman Underpass

The project began with a vision workshop and walkabout involving stakeholders and local community members, helping us identify the key challenges and opportunities within the space. In close collaboration with Adam Nathaniel Furman, we developed and delivered six co-design workshops with three primary schools and one secondary school, engaging more than 200 local children. Alongside this, we ran a dedicated Young Designers programme, using lighting, temporary chalk installations, artwork and model-making to test ideas for improving the underpass—particularly for young people and those who feel more vulnerable in public spaces. Two students from the programme went on to complete work experience placements within the design team. Insights from these sessions directly informed the final designs. Studio ANF’s vibrant soffit artwork was inspired by the children’s drawings, while their patterns were transformed into bespoke tiles that will decorate the stair risers throughout the underpass. At the public exhibition, 96% of respondents said they liked the designs. We look forward to celebrating the completion of the project and activating the space with a community event when works conclude in May 2026. Photos of painted underpass by Gareth Gardner for Adam Nathaniel Furman