Tolerance and Reuse: Forming a New Sutton Cultural Common Part 2 Project 2024 Ryan Speer London Metropolitan University | UK This project looks to create a new cultural common for the London town of Sutton. A language of tolerance and reuse is explored to pursue an architecture of part-inherited and part-designed elements. The idea of tolerance here equates to a singular expression or act of adventurous misuse and adaptability, a knowing of when to dismantle, to preserve or repair, or reframe entirely. This approach seeks an alternative to the default ‘new build’ development so often proposed on the high street as a means to encourage economic degrowth, with the role of the architect changing from master builder to master curator.The proposal, Sutton Cultural Common (SCC), is accessed from a newly formed entrance via the third floor service yard. SCC offers the community a place to congregate without the pressures of a financial incentive, a place for activities ranging from daily repair workshops, weekly markets, to monthly cinema screenings or seasonal camping, an open challenge for misuse. Permanent programmes such as an events venue, exhibition space and restaurants will ensure a constant presence and use. The partial office to residential conversion of the adjacent Times House creates an additional anchoring to the community through inhabitation. Tutor(s)