Proud Eamveerawong

About

Imaginary Factory

“Imaginary Factory” is dedicated to reinvigorating the rich artistic and design heritage of East London. The East End has long been a hub of creativity and craftsmanship, but rising living costs are driving artists, designers, and makers out of the area. Imaginary Factory seeks to re-establish and sustain these creative practices within the community.

Situated in Bromley-by-Bow, East London, the existing factory building exudes a strong industrial character, marked by its large scale, robust structure, and use of raw materials. The initial observation was that the building’s sealed structure created an automatic sense of isolation for its occupants, disconnecting them from the outside world.

The factory’s location is unique, with the River Lea running behind the buildings and the busy A12 Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach Road at the front. Leveraging this strategic position, Imaginary Factory aspires to create a vibrant creative hub. This hub will unite individuals from diverse creative backgrounds, providing spaces to work and showcase their art.

Imaginary Factory envisions three distinct types of spaces within the building: ‘thinking space,’ ‘making space,’ and ‘archive space.’ The project centers on themes of fun, utopia, and a playground for creatives, transforming the space into one where the impossible becomes possible. It aims to dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside, and challenge the existing structure by removing walls and floors, except for the top floor, which will serve as the archive. This open design will fill the space with interconnected workshops and working areas, promoting flexibility and adaptability for future uses.

The ground floor will remain open and accessible, encouraging public engagement and interaction. This open area will serve as a gathering place, fostering conversations and connections among visitors. Imaginary Factory is fundamentally a creative hub that provides space, equipment, and opportunities for makers, artists, and designers to collaborate and exchange ideas, thus forming a vibrant community.

As visitors ascend to the top-floor archive, they will have the opportunity to observe the creative process in action within the workshop and making spaces. This journey culminates in the showcase of completed works, offering a comprehensive view of the artistic journey from conception to final product. Imaginary Factory not only aims to support the local creative community but also to regenerate the area, creating a dynamic space for art appreciation and social interaction.