Social Quandaries
understanding the quirks and features of London’s post-war social housing architecture
L.M. de Haas (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
J.A. Kuijper – Mentor (TU Delft - Theory, Territories & Transitions)
A.M.R. van der Meij – Mentor (TU Delft - Theory, Territories & Transitions)
J.D. Fokkinga – Mentor (TU Delft - Architectural Technology)
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Abstract
In social quandaries is an analysis of three council housing estates dating back to the 1960s, all situated within the Greater London area. The analytical framework was informed by the book “Paris Haussmann: A Model’s Relevance,” which extensively examines the Haussmann plan in Paris, employing various mediums such as writing, drawing, and photography to explain its characteristics across different dimensions.
Drawing upon the research, my study concludes in several recommendations that form the foundational basis of my research-based design. These principles have been derived from a qualitative analysis of the estates, incorporating insights from two books that cover various factors that are crucial in establishing architectural and urban spatial quality. The principles are: facilitating interaction and vegetation, the incorporation of pedways and walkways, densification, mixed typologies, a multifunctional plinth, and the inclusion of courtyards.
Consequently, the design process that has been undertaken centers around these guiding principles, using them as primary elements to create architectural and spatial quality within the redevelopment of a London council estate.
By doing this I try to complete my design objective, which is to demonstrate the value present in the social housing stock of 1960s London, emphasizing the importance of preserving or redeveloping these buildings rather than resorting to demolition.