Partners: Testbed1

Will Alsop has turned a Victorian dairy in southwest London into a vibrant arts community that has repositioned the borough within the context of London. His own offices are located in the building, along with filmmakers, artists and other designers. At ground level, around a central space, Street Kitchen serves Michelin star food into boxes, the doodle bar provides drinks and entertainment, and the main testbed space hosts exhibitions and arts events.
The spaces themselves remain untouched, battered and aged with a dramatic feel to them. Over drinks, a strategy for the future of the building was devised by Alsop and the owner of the building. The Royal College of Art were so impressed that they hosted their summer show there
this year. Last year artist Bruce McLean performed for the first time in 20 years, and more recently the Gavin Bryars Ensemble gave a musical performance, the island set up an arts fair and there have been other theatre performances and exhibitions. The committee with no agenda whose members include Alsop, David Gothard, Jude Kelly and Bruce McLean preside over the space. They are open to approach over staging any type of event to be approved by
themselves.