SPACE BEYOND MEASURE
Dissertation
This paper explores the assertions of dwindling house sizes, and looks at a variety of sources which indicate that space standards support better housing. However, the information gathered suggest this is a multifaceted issue for which the current housing space standards alone cannot resolve the issues of poor space provision within the home.
The research has indicated that space standards do little to tackle the changes in the way in which modern homes are used and rely heavily on the findings of the 1960’s Parker Morris paper titled ‘Homes for today and Tomorrow’. This fails to address modern trends of increased working from home.
Children in the care system face a significant disadvantage in life compared to those outside of it; educational attainment and psychological health diminished, due to a failing system.
Children’s homes are often close to towns and cities, providing shelter and protection for some of our most vulnerable citizens, often from a background of abuse and neglect. Unlike other groups in society such as those in prison, residential homes for elderly and hospitals there is no design guide or legislation that provides protection or governance over the size of or quality of personal space.
This short study looks at one specific care home, selected from a wider case study. Through research I hope to establish whether the design of existing children’s home has a negative impact on children who are in care and their prospects, and if there is a case for a design guide.
Essay
Speculation
This polemic/ speculative piece looks at the role of the architect within the context of a new movement toward Council/ Social Housing. It explores many of the barriers that the industry presents to small architects’ practices, as well has examining future.
