Stay In A Private Boat On A London Rooftop

A Room for London is a boat-shaped, thought-provoking, one-bedroom installation perched on top of the Queen Elizabeth hall at the Sounthbank Centre in London. Remaining in place throughout 2012, this unique pop-up retreat is available to the public to rent for life-enhancing one-night stays and a number of artists have been invited to spend time there to create new works.

The installation was built by Living Architecture and designed by David Kohn Architects in collaboration with artist Fiona Banner. It was inspired by the Roi des Belges, the boat Joseph Conrad used to navigate up the River Congo in the late nineteenth century before writing Heart of Darkness. 

There are upper and lower decks providing panoramic views of the capital, a crow’s nest, and an octagonal library with twin desks looking out across the river, which enables guests to use the installation as an inspirational studio space. A range of writers, musicians and artists have been invited to stay and use the ‘boat’ for imaginative reflection. They will spend their time creating new works or performances, which will then be shared with the public.

The Evening Standard newspaper is running a competition called ‘Ideas for London’, which aims to discover local people’s remarkable ideas for their city. Those who submit winning proposals will be able to spend a night in the installation.

A Room for London