Whippet Good (2019) by Delve Architects is an award-winning street bench, originally commissioned by London Festival of Architecture. It was curated by Futurecity for Almacantar, the development company behind the rejuvenation of St. Giles Square, a major new public space adjacent to the iconic Centre Point building.

The artwork brief for the first installations in St. Giles Square’s art programme was to have pieces that were original and playful, which would invite passers-by’s to take a moment to sit and enjoy the square. Following a selection process with Almacantar, the two chosen artworks – Whippet Good and City Blocks by Astrain Studio, which were cited in the square at the same time – reflected a sense of calm and greenery, and embodied an invitation to slow down and relax in an urban oasis. Both installations were two of the five winners of the City Benches competition for London Festival of Architecture, chosen from nearly 100 entries by a group of judges including Ellie Stathaki, Wallpaper* architecture editor.

Photography by Elen Salina