Designing the Cultural Commons – East London

The Bow Neighbourhood Common is a project initiated by Dr Torange Khonsari in collaboration with Public Works and local community groups in Bow, East London.

It is a community-led, socially engaged initiative that aims to protect and expand neighbourhood assets and civic space through the principles of the commons. This process of commoning offers a solution to social and economic inequality by addressing power relations and shifting these dynamics away from the dominant power of the government towards the local community. At its core, Bow Neighbourhood Common tests the possibilities and limitations of the 2011 Localism Act by working with and challenging its complex agendas.

The project includes community gardens, a neighbourhood plan, and a new community hub called The Common Room. The Common Room is a partnership project between Roman Road Trust and Public Works, which began in 2014 as a joint initiative involving Roman Road Trust, London Metropolitan University, Clarion, and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Enterprise Team.