Andy Spain’s Post

On a social level, the architecture of collective housing plays a major role in the cohesion or fragmentation of urban communities. The design of these homes can profoundly influence the way individuals interact with each other, and by extension, the feeling of belonging to a community.   Buildings designed to encourage meetings and social interactions, with well-designed common spaces such as shared gardens, welcoming lobbies or roof terraces, can strengthen social connections. They promote a more collective and supportive way of life, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods. On the other hand, unsuitable architecture, where private spaces are completely isolated from public spaces, can lead to a feeling of isolation and alienation. However, contemporary architecture seeks to overcome these problems by promoting more inclusive and sustainable approaches. The emergence of concepts such as participatory housing or social diversity in development projects aim to create residential complexes where the diversity of residents is encouraged, thus allowing better social integration. In the project below, I have managed to bring those ideas into a vibrant architectural approach.  

Really nice approach to the housing crisis: in-filling between the existing apartment buildings, instead of tearing them down and displacing the residents and their strong social networks. Remarkable – considering this is social housing – that the residents got to choose the architect... although they always should, since top-down design is known to fail. I really love this architect, Peter Barber. He is, like the presenter says, "An architect who's not an arrogant xxx." :) His residential buildings are very humane – human scaled, friendly, social – and also beautiful as urban sculptures. And the project paid for itself by selling housing to people could pay full price. Why would they want to live next to social housing? Because it's well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, etc. #peterbarber #london #kilnplace #architecture #housingcrisis #socialhousing

The next series is about affordable housing over the last thirty years of Rietveld Architects New York. This is an old one. A very low key, pedestrian friendly infill project of 64 row- and courtyard houses. Half of which are in the "Social housing" catagory. A left over triangular piece of land between housing from the 60'2, 70's and 80's.... 2

This is an excellent article. There is much to agree with in Create Streets' message: prioritising active travel and pedestrian movement, higher density development and increasing urban greening and tree cover for example. However I think the profession and the Labour Party should be wary of their arguments around style and the insistence that 'people' prefer traditional architecture and urban spaces. An argument which is underpinned by some questionable surveys and studies (https://lnkd.in/ejNVf4qJ). Good architecture and placemaking is multi-faceted and basing policy on responses to visual imagery alone is a superficial approach to a complex issue. https://lnkd.in/es7R-MkA

Social housing doesn't have to be boring, social housing must be inspiring. Perfect example is done in #Ibiza by RIPOLLTIZON SLP #spain #architecture #housing #inspiration #inspo #3d #3drendering #3dvisualization #spanisharchitecture https://lnkd.in/eu7j7WQg

How much does it cost to live in the award-winning Accordia development in Cambridge? My next instalment of 'Icons of Architecture' is out, where I argue that new build developments have just as much capacity to become iconic as heritage buildings. Designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Maccreanor Lavington, and Alison Brooks Architects, and constructed by Countryside Partnerships and Redeham Homes, Accordia set a new benchmark for the construction of high density housebuilding in the UK. 🏆 Accordia was the first housing development to win the prestigious Stirling Prize but at the same time highlights the inherent tensions with creating new communities from scratch. It provides a fascinating site that gives us crucial lessons for the future of the new development which we so desperately need. You can read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/g7r5rUZX ‘Icons of Architecture’ is a Savills blog series where we explore some of the UK’s most extraordinary housing developments. We look at what makes their architecture so compelling while digging into their values and places in the housing market. This is the world of the RIBA meeting that of the RICS, to tell increasingly holistic pictures of our built environment. #Architecture #Housingmarket #Cambridge #Housingdevelopment

Earth Homes: 7 Hidden Properties Around the World | Architectural Digest Here are the key points from the page: - Earth-Sheltered Homes: These homes are built into slopes or underground, using the surrounding land as thermal mass for insulation, making them energy-efficient and less susceptible to extreme temperatures. - Unique Examples: The page highlights seven unique earth homes from around the world, including Hobbiton in New Zealand, Malator in Wales, and Villa Vals in Switzerland. - Architectural Significance: These homes showcase innovative designs that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, often inspired by ecological and progressive architecture principles. - Historical Context: Earth-sheltered homes are among the oldest forms of buildings, dating back thousands of years, and continue to be relevant for their environmental benefits.

Tepfam Holdings has unveiled plans for a new mixed-use development at 280 Commissioners Street in #Toronto’s McCleary District. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the ambitious proposal features two residential towers, standing 40 and 45 storeys tall, connected by an eight-storey podium. https://lnkd.in/gDYjXY85 #architecture #realestate

Two regeneration housing schemes being delivered by leading affordable housebuilder, Gleeson Homes are well underway in Yorkshire, with foundations set to be laid in early January 2025 to add 466 high-quality, affordable new homes to the region’s residential pipeline. Leeds-based Edward Architects is the instructed architectural team across both historical developments including a former main colliery plot in Doncaster, and in Leeds, a former railway goods sidings site. https://lnkd.in/eFCzy-TG

LaTerra Development project is on track to debut in 2025 Urban Architecture Lab