River Flow Connect

These designs were showcased and tested at a family fun day on the riverbank, where residents interacted with them, provided feedback, and voted on their favourites to inform the next stage of development.

Selected images by Andy Willsher.

The River/Flow/Connect “Mini-Build” project by Bedford Creative Arts brought together the Kempston community through a series of playful co-design workshops led by artist Sam Williams.

Building upon BCA’s engagement around the River Ouse in Kempston, Sam used local flora, fauna and environmental elements as prompts in her workshop ‘Soul - Gesture - Gift’ to inspire residents to develop ideas for how they could co-exist with nature along the river.

Residents of all ages shared ideas through maquettes, drawings, and temporary prototypes, exploring how sculptural spaces and functional artworks might make the riverside between Kempston Mill and Queen’s Bridge more welcoming.

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Prototype

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Explore 〰️ Imagine 〰️ Prototype 〰️ Explore 〰️ Imagine 〰️ Prototype 〰️ Explore 〰️ Imagine 〰️ Prototype 〰️

The process culminated in three prototype structures – The Knowledge Garden, The Secret Star, and A Tree House for You and Me – reflecting local aspirations for food growing, informal seating, treehouses for people and wildlife, and playful spaces to explore.