City of London Primary Academy Islington and Black Raven Court combines housing with education and shared community facilities within a tightly constrained urban site. The scheme is shaped by its context, sitting within the setting of a listed estate and close to conservation areas, with the design language for the residential block drawing on local character. The submission presents a mixed-use arrangement that brings together homes, a primary school, a hall and a sports pitch, demonstrating how different uses can coexist while supporting neighbourhood life.
The proposal is presented as a socially focused scheme that aims to create positive change through layout and shared spaces. Deck access is used as a circulation strategy that also supports community interaction, while the homes are described as having dual-aspect layouts and generous glazing. The school component is intended to provide light, outward connection and a strong educational environment, while the residential element is positioned as social rent housing within a broader civic and community offer.
Judges responded positively to the quality of the design, the sustainable circulation approach and the strong sense of integration between uses. The project was recognised for its well detailed facade, thoughtful communal spaces and the way it supports social value through education and housing. The strongest consistent view was that the scheme brings together varied uses with clear community benefit and a confident design approach, with one judge describing it as an exemplary mixed-use project that makes a real difference.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
