This week we are celebrating the work of Lauren, a recent graduate who achieved a distinction in Architecture MArch RIBA (Part II), at De Montfort University. Currently Lauren is working at GSSArchitecture as a Part II Architectural Assistant and has been working at this practice for 4 years. Laurens next step is to start the Part III qualification in 2021, to become fully-qualified as an architect. A great example of being driven and motivated to complete the architectural journey. Lauren has a keen interest in residential architecture; more specifically mass housing developments.
Please view Laurens final project below which achieved her distinction along with some writing in her own words to accompany the drawings.
| Project Overview
My thesis project: 'The Pitfield Estate Regeneration,' aims to re-evaluate our perception of urban regeneration, by introducing new high-density social housing to an existing London estate, without the need for demolition of existing homes.
Based in Hackney, the scheme introduces 108 new dwellings to the existing Pitfield council estate. Each new dwelling has its very own front door and garden terrace, connected by ascending balcony-access passageways which either overlook the surrounding parks or the newly formed courtyards within. The courtyards are the driving force behind this design - they are what unite the old with the new and set the scene for interactivity and new memories.
The development will introduce various new local amenities to the estate, along with a new community centre, crèche, corner shop, laundrette, allotments, café, retail outlet, gym and playground. The strengthened infrastructure through this proposal is pivotal for the growing Pitfield Estate community to thrive and achieve true social sustainability.
| Project Aim
The project aims to address growing concerns of social inequality within urban regeneration and gentrification of London’s inner-city boroughs, such as Hackney. By opting to retain rather than demolish existing council estates, such as the Pitfield Estate, it means that existing residents will not fall victim to displacement and be up-rooted from their community.
This is social housing, built on public land, designed for the people it serves. The neighbourhood is the extension of the home, which is why it is essential for mass housing to be socially sustainable, in order for its residents to truly attain a sense of belonging.
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