The Croydon Art Society has been around for over 100 years and since 2018 hasn’t exhibited work in Croydon due to a lack of available exhibition space. This project proposes a partnership with London’s National Gallery to add a branch in Corydon to help educate and enrich young artists in South London.

The Croydon Art Centre aims not only become home to the archives of the society but also serve as an exhibition space. A program of artist residencies will make studios and workshops on site available to produce art that can then be studied and exhibited using the library and the exhibition spaces.

The spatial organisation of the project follows the Harkness Method of Learning. This educational method encourages a discussion-based learning where all students are sitting around a table in a manner all students are encouraged to participate in the conversation. This method will enable occupants to critique and discuss art to push creative thinking and develop their artist skills. The adaptive reuse of the Barclay Road Annexe building touches on the themes of connectivity, Harkness learning, and art education.