What’s the context?
The UK faces a housing crises, shortage in dwellings, rising homelessness, and generational unemployment. In response, generic developments have become prominent, premised on short-term gains. Developers use generic catalogue-architecture often without architects involved; and they result in faceless homogenous living spaces. A run to the bottom line lacks the incentives for locally fitting developments; and often a lack of transparency in public housing developments where contracts limit access to the design process.
What is the challenge?
How can we link up more mixed-use/mixed-occupation developments with other models of dwelling delivery, such as through co-operatives, community land trusts, etc. What kind of app/service/design methodology can help foster skills and opportunities for non-experts to get involved in designing and self-building of homes? Anything you come up with should address question of scaling up and replication to other places, for example by considering the role of the local authority in promotion of self-build developments while appreciating that the council lacks the capacity to help self-developers directly.
What are the deliverables?
- A proposition for an app / service / or computer-assisted workshop in which non-experts gain the opportunity to co-design a self-built house or facility.
- As a starting point, you could look at the combination of the SketchUP software, site analysis, and the role of citizens, such as local residents, engagement in a design process.
- You may also wish to explore where else your final proposal may find application.