A new structure for the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens – Built for the People, by the People.

This August, join SET Vauxhall-based practice Studio Long at SET Vauxhall to co-design and build prototypes for a new temporary structure in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Across two weeks of open drop-in workshops and a public exhibition, you’re invited to share ideas, test materials, and help shape the project.

The initiative draws inspiration from the rich history of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens as a site of escape and gathering, where grand, temporary wooden structures were once built overnight for public performance. As the Gardens stand at the centre of rapid urban development, Take Your Pleasure Seriously asks: what would we build today that reflects our community’s needs and respects our local environment?

Aiming to reimagine public space, the project brings together local partners DSDHA Architects, House of NEON, and Live + Breathe, with support from Vauxhall One BID and Vauxhall City Farm.

Following this initial design and prototyping phase at SET Vauxhall, the team will build an innovative modular structure in the Gardens for the Colours & Cultures Summer Festival, with the potential for the structure to tour other urban green spaces in the future.

Schedule & key dates

All sessions and exhibition hours will take place at SET Vauxhall’s 16^th Floor Project Space.

Phase 1: WIP Drop-In Sessions

Bring your ideas, energy, and curiosity to these open work-in-progress exploratory sessions. Drop in to collaborate, build, and shape the direction of the project.

• Dates: Tuesday 4 August & Thursday 6 August 2026
• Time: 11am – 3pm
• Admission: Free / Drop-in (no booking required). Check in at the Camelford House Reception.
  

Phase 2: Exhibition

View the preliminary designs, outcomes, and physical work-in-progress.

• Public Opening Event: Thursday 13 August 2026, 6-8pm
• Exhibition Open Hours: Friday 14 August – Sunday 16 August 2026, 11am-3pm daily
• Location: SET Vauxhall, 16th Floor Project Space, Camelford House, 89 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TP.

About the project & collaborators

Studio Long / Vicky Long

Vicky’s practice spans drawing, painting, sound, installation, and scenography. It frequently addresses ecological themes and explores human interaction with the natural world. She has exhibited widely across public space, gallery, museum, and theatre settings, including Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Kew Gardens, Eden Project, Southbank Centre, Grand Union Canal, Royal Geographical Society, and Orleans House.

Instagram: @studiolonguk

DSDHA

Known for high-profile urban strategies, landscapes, and innovative buildings, DSDHA fosters positive change and empowers communities through its projects. Working in complex and sensitive environments, the studio explores how relationships between architecture, ecology, and people shape contemporary city life.

Instagram: @dsdha_architecture

House of Neon

House of NEON envisions a future where creative talent is never limited by background, income or access to space, and where inclusive cultural infrastructure allows children, young people, artists and creative communities to thrive. NEON’s cultural hub is at SET Vauxhall.

Instagram: @hon.ldn

Live + Breathe

Live + Breathe is a South London campaign, working to achieve clean air, climate and social justice. Led by musician and artist Love Ssega, its arts led approach celebrates community use of public space.

Instagram: @weliveandbreathe