Merrett Houmøller Architects designed a pop-up kitchen that not only addresses social change, but is also a clever take on modular architecture with wheels. Created for RIBA’s Beyond Borders design competition, the Befriending Kitchen was created to bring young asylum seekers and refugees together with weekly meals. Compact enough for travel, the pop-up unit contains kitchen facilities as well as storage for folding tables and benches.
Merrett Houmøller Architects’ Befriending Kitchen was born from the Refugees and Befriending Project, run by British Red Cross volunteers and staff. The new pop-up dining facility brings a colorful refresh to the project (previously run out of an office) and is decorated with bright graphics inspired by nautical signal flags.
Befriending Kitchen unpacks into two separate units that bookend a dining area made up of folding benches and tables seating up to 30 people. The kitchen facilities include a gas hob, sink, counter space, and trash disposal. The project is currently located in the courtyard of the British Red Cross’ Hackney destitution center in east London.
Pop-up Befriending Kitchen serves meals to refugees and asylum seekers in London [Inhabitat]