What We're Seeing: Ideas contest for Thames sea defences

An open international ideas competition has been launched to reinvent the ruined Red Sands sea fort in the Thames Estuary, off the Kentish coast. The iconic structure – which was one of several offshore installations designed by Guy Maunsell during World War Two – has been unused since 1956. Organised by Seville-based ‘Rethinking Architecture Competitions’, the contest seeks proposals to transform the fort into a new observatory. The Red Sands base was constructed in 1943 and originally featured anti-aircraft batteries. The seven raised structures were originally connected by walkways which have not survived. The first prize winner – set to be announced on 1 May – will receive around £2,300. The deadline for entries is 30 March. Text: Architects’ Journal

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