Find Fitzrovia

The London Festival of Architecture (LFA), powered by NLA, is collaborating with The Fitzrovia Partnership to launch Find Fitzrovia, a new design competition to encourage wayfinding across the footprint. This competition comes in the third year of a four-year initiative between both organisations.

The competition is open to emerging architects, designers and artists to create a playful trail of visual markers that make it easier and more enjoyable to navigate to Charlotte Street and other more hidden destinations within the area.

The wider four-year initiative tests temporary interventions across The Fitzrovia Partnership’s footprint. The aim is to explore how the neighbourhood can be shaped for the future to better serve both people and the planet.

Andrew Munk, Chief Executive, The Fitzrovia Partnership, said

“Fitzrovia has long been celebrated as London’s bohemian neighbourhood, buzzing with a diverse mix of creatives, innovators and independent thinkers, so it feels especially fitting that this year’s festival celebrates the theme of Belonging. As home to some of the UK’s leading architectural and built-environment practices, we’re excited to invite them, and the wider design community, to reimagine how our public spaces can bring people together, engaging workers, local communities and visitors alike to feel this sense of belonging in the area – and we can’t wait to see what they come up with.

This marks the latest chapter in our partnership with the LFA and reflects our continued commitment to nurturing a world-class environment here in Fitzrovia. As the neighbourhood grows and evolves, we’re dedicated to helping shape a vibrant, welcoming area for all.”

With two rounds of judging, up to six teams will first be shortlisted before final developments on the potential designs for the area. The winning team will be confirmed in March 2026 and will be awarded £36,000 + VAT to develop and deliver a fully costed, feasible design to be installed in June 2026, alongside the London Festival of Architecture.

Rosa Rogina, Director of LFA and Associate Director of Place Partnerships at NLA said “We’re delighted to be working with The Fitzrovia Partnership once again. ‘Find Fitzrovia’ offers emerging designers a platform to showcase their creative talent in response to a real place, reimagining wayfinding and reinforcing Fitzrovia’s already strong creative and historic identity. The winning installation will lead Londoners into the neighbourhood, inviting them to discover a rich local programme shaped by this year’s theme of Belonging.”

The final proposal seeks to include pieces which serve as welcoming landmarks, encouraging movement into and around the neighbourhood, and inviting people to explore its streets, cultural assets and independent businesses. Individuals and teams are tasked with designing the wayfinding items with a strong sense of place, reflecting the creativity and architectural diversity for which Fitzrovia is recognised.

With the competition building on last year’s success of Fitz&Sits, and the preceding year’s Rabbit Warren Street, the final installation for Find Fitzrovia will similarly be installed in June to mark the 2026 edition of the London Festival of Architecture, centring around the theme of Belonging. The shortlisted teams are set to be announced in January, with the winning design unveiled in March 2026.