For me, the term community stands for togetherness, it can be tangible or intangible. When I was studying masters of Architecture in London, I came across several distinctive community-driven housing estates which encouraged social interaction, connectivity and inclusiveness.
While cities like London, it is obvious to say that not all estates are designed equally. Evidently, every community estate has their own uniqueness and sense of belongingness. In this is context, I have few illustrations as BedZED in south west London; Cressingham Gardens in south London; Walters Way in south east London; Stoneleigh Terrace in north London; and Greenwich’s Vanbrugh Estate. Adding to the previous point, these are the most iconic estates in London, however, I will be discussing Whittington Estate which is one of the preeminent examples of brutalist architecture in the archway area of London.
Design
The estate has been designed by the finest architect Peter Tabori who is well known for his dynamic visionary and distinctive ziggurat style estate. The architectural impression is located in the north-east part of the London borough of Camden, one of the historic areas in London.
Considering the concept, it stands out with its “stepped balconies” and “the connection of threshold and streetscape”.
The design philosophy of the estate follows the series of the individual units which opens up to the street which is inspired by the local topography. Predominantly, the spatial Organization of the units are in cue which creates a cascade of private terraces to offer their own outdoor space. Additionally, creating series of vistas which act as a communal area for residents and framing the architectural perspective was the key challenge for peter tabori
Structure and Materiality
Delving into the layers of estate, the characteristic feature of estate is the cultivated balconies which have been separated by the angular concrete walls to promote privacy, it is a threshold to establish a connection between the built environment and surroundings. Adding to the previous point, the structure of the estate is load-bearing structure where the load bearing angular concrete fins act as a prominent element which emphasises the width of the apartment externally and internally it allows malleability in spatial organisation.
Noticeably, staircases, walkways and communal areas of the estate have been granted a precise finish. The minimal material palette adds a distinguished essence and offers dynamic urban sophistication.
The complex offers 271 spacious dwellings ranging from one bed flats to six bed flats.
Evidently, the colour palette of the interior has been kept simple such as white oak plaster wall and dark mosaic floor. The white washed oak finished furniture made the interior simpler and captivating. The main interesting feature about the interior design of each dwelling, the furniture is inspired by the 1970’s mid century furniture which enables the tabori’s unconventional design and it also integrates the contemporary intrusion.
Environment and Micro-climate
The consideration of the environment in this estate is vital due to the weather of the region. Environmentally, the arrangement of the dwellings and topography allows the balconies which opens up to the southern side. This environmental feature allows the direct sunlight which penetrates through the balcony to the bright living space. Moreover, it is an unique way to invite and create a journey to experience by framing a threshold which has changed the outlook of designing community-driven estate.
Vista, it holds a special aura on the place. This architectural impression not only enables the urban street scape but it also creates a series of gardens. In summer, this blueprint becomes an extension of urban gardens. These garden’s canopies hide the dwellings and act as a barrier to protect from direct sunlight, while in autumn and winter, light façade become an element for an elevation. Internal spatial organisation of an individual dwelling is not ordinary, it is an amalgamation of all the parameters such as sense of open space, ventilation and belongingness.
In essence, this blueprint has set an example for an individual that a communal area can be an urban street without designing any specific community centre. Additionally, the series of dwellings and gardens adds an essence to the urban fabric of an existing context which makes this blueprint more captivating for an individual. After studying and analysing this estate one could interpret that architecture should not be confined in designing physical solid buildings but it is a challenge to design and create an active, vibrant and inviting journey.
References:
- The Modern House. Peter. [online] Available at: https://www.themodernhouse.com/directory-of-architects-and-designers/peter [Accessed 19 May 2024].
- Modernist Estates. Stoneleigh Terrace. [online] Available at: https://www.modernistestates.com/rent/stoneleigh-terrace/ [Accessed 19 May 2024].
- Fanah Shapeless. Architecture Illustration – Whittington Estate, London. [online] Available at: https://www.fanahshapeless.com/shop/architecture-illustration-whittington-estate-londo [Accessed 19 May 2024].
- Archello. Whittington Estate Apartment. [online] Available at: https://archello.com/project/whittington-estate-apartment [Accessed 19 May 2024].
