Revealing Southbury: Urban Place Shaping Research

Safia's Urban Place Shaping Research

As part of the Revealing Southbury public art and community engagement initiative, Enfield Council’s Journeys and Places team partnered with Fisher Cheng Architects to undertake urban place-shaping research. They commissioned locally embedded Place Champion Safia Banharally to lead an independent, community-focused investigation. This project is part of the wider Curate Enfield programme, which supports residents in bringing creativity into public spaces and reimagining high streets and town centres.

Alongside the creation of new vibrant artworks, the project explored how people experience Southbury today and its distinct identity. Safia led this research, gathering reflections on identity, heritage, and everyday life in the area.

Using a blend of ethnographic methods, including general public observation and informal conversations, Safia uncovered the often subtle and overlooked rhythms of daily life. Her research focused especially on exploring the role of 'third spaces' - informal community hubs that foster connection, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. These included well-used and much-loved spots such as the Southbury Launderette, Krispy Kreme, and other everyday places where people naturally gather, pause, and interact.

The research is helping to reveal new perspectives on Southbury’s character, values, and potential. These insights continue to inform the wider place-shaping process, offering inspiration for how public spaces and artworks can reflect the lived experiences and shared histories of the local community. Safia’s findings highlight Southbury’s layered identity, shaped by its heritage and the emotional texture of everyday life. They also draw attention to pockets of community energy and ambition, especially along busy routes like Southbury Road, where there is a clear desire for connection, visibility, and opportunity.

Read Safia's full report here. (External link)

Journeys and Places is proud to share her work, a thoughtful and detailed portrait of life in Southbury that brings forward local voices, hidden stories, and the everyday places that shape the unique character of this neighbourhood.