On The Cobbles by Poacea

Taking inspiration from the Docks' history as a thriving trade hub, steel-banded timber crates are dropped on the promenade to provide a place for passers-by to rest and ruminate.

Designed for disassembly, the stacked structure utilises reclaimed railway sleepers to create playful surfaces with varying heights and facing directions. The bench is adorned with ceramic tiles carved by the local community, inviting users to immerse themselves in the vibrant history and stories of the area.

On the Cobbles is situated overlooking the waterfront in Thames Barrier Park and was built by Dimitrina Mitreva, Daniel Stilwell and Valeria Slahova, members of Poacea. Their non-profit collective is composed of an eclectic mix of creatives with a shared passion for learning, making, telling stories, and communal engagement. They seek to actively strengthen the voices of under-represented people by involving them in collaborative acts that enhance the final built outcome, strengthening self-belief whilst offering participants an enriching experience with craft.