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During the past semester, students from the Faculty of Architecture at Brno University of Technology explored the transformation of the abandoned American Carwash building in London's Shoreditch district as part of the design studio led by Ondřej Chybík and Šárka Kubínová. Their task was to find a new purpose for the distinctive reinforced concrete structure that would respond to the needs of the local community, the changing urban environment, and the site's history.American Car Wash London – Current Status / Student Project – Ilinca Sofa. | Author: CHYBIK + KRISTOFThe American Carwash building is one of the landmark structures in central London. In recent years, this standalone reinforced concrete building has attracted attention not only for its austere architecture but also for its layers of graffiti, reflecting the character of Shoreditch – a rapidly evolving district known for its cultural scene, street art, and nightlife.
Located close to London's financial district, Shoreditch has undergone a profound transformation over the past decades. Once a working-class neighbourhood, it has become a highly sought-after residential area, while also facing the effects of gentrification. Rising housing costs are pushing out long-term residents and small businesses, and the area lacks accessible community spaces and facilities for leisure activities.These challenges formed the basis of the studio assignment. Students focused on a building whose ground floor still operates as a car wash, while its upper parking levels, served by car lifts, have remained unused for years. Their goal was to explore the possibilities of adaptive reuse and propose new functions that would meet the needs of local residents while making the most of the building's potential.Current status. | Author: CHYBIK + KRISTOF"I first noticed the building during my business trips to London and often wondered how it could be given a new purpose. Finding meaningful new uses for obsolete buildings and urban areas is one of today's key architectural challenges, which is why we chose it as an assignment for our studio at BUT in Brno. We were looking for suitable new functions that would respond both to the needs of local residents and to preserving the site's memory," said Ondřej Chybík, co-founder of the architectural studio CHYBÍK + KRIŠTOF, which opened its London office two years ago.
The student projects presented a wide range of approaches to transforming the building. Proposed concepts included a community centre and an urban farm. Despite their diversity, all of the projects shared the ambition to return the building to the local community by creating an open, accessible, and vibrant place for people of all ages and backgrounds."All of the projects reflect our students' desire to give the building back to the local community and transform it into a place that is accessible to everyone, becoming a natural and lively part of the city," added architect Šárka Kubínová.Student Project – Michaela Kirnerová / Student Project – Matěj Pražák. | Author: CHYBIK + KRISTOF
The studio projects were also presented in London as part of an exhibition at Atelier Bohemia. The opening was attended by representatives of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Architectural Association School of Architecture, and members of the media. The exhibition brought international attention to the students' work and highlighted the growing importance of adaptive reuse of abandoned urban buildings.The projects also received recognition in the Czech Republic. Theresa Unverricht's proposal was awarded the Bohuslav Fuchs Prize for the best student project of the year at the Faculty of Architecture, BUT."We wanted to show our students that architecture knows no borders. Whether they are designing in Brno, London, or Tirana, the principles of thinking about the city remain remarkably similar. The key is understanding the place and proposing solutions that respond to its real needs," concluded Michal Krištof, co-founder of CHYBÍK + KRIŠTOF.Source: Faculty of Architecture BUT (based on an article by CZECHDESIGN)