The project is about streets in the UK; and transforming them into educational tools to rediscover the public realm. This is in response to the UK and other European states becoming increasingly polarised nations, in which problems of poverty, inequality and spatial segregation are becoming ever more apparent and problematic.
The project focuses on the reconciliation of suburban high streets in London, which suffer high levels of social, economic and spatial polarization. Using the London Borough of Harrow as a case study to construct environments in which agonistic debates could occur, a new educational landscape is envisaged for school children and wider community groups designed to promote interaction, making and skill sharing networks - closely linked to the responsibilities of local government, allowing for effective and equitable devolution of public funds from centralized bodies such as the Greater London Authority.
Aerial view of Building Exchange on Station Road Harrow in 2050.
Aerial view of Building Exchange on Station Road Harrow describing expansion of Building Exchange over 10years.
Case study time-line: Use of community forum to fabricate new chairs for a school music room and a new basketball court for local sports clubs.
Section detailing demolition and retrofitting of existing vacant shop and retail outlet to accommodate adaptable fittings for flexible use providing space and services for community interest in the city centre.
Section through community forum and building workshop, forming the nexus of the Building Exchange.
