London housing project wins top architecture award

A mixed housing scheme in London, whose site fronts onto Lion Green Road, has won a top architecture award. Two people commenting on the project, Williamson and Duggan, explained why it matters. The source excerpt does not say which award it was or who presented it.

A personal view of the housing shortage

Williamson told the BBC that until he went to study architecture he lived on a council estate in the East Midlands, in central England. He said that whenever he goes back, all the council houses have been sold and are in private hands. In his view this can be a good thing in a homeowning democracy, but the sad part is that the homes have not been replaced.

He believes many people from similar backgrounds live in poor conditions, including temporary accommodation that is neither safe nor secure. He called the project inspirational and emotional, saying the houses are fantastic and form part of a mixed scheme.

A different layout

Duggan, who grew up in south-west London, said the scheme challenged conventional suburban housing layouts centred on roads, private gardens and clearly defined front and back spaces. Winding paths and planting weave between the blocks, connecting them and linking shared outdoor spaces.

She said she wanted a public space that people feel they belong to. Housing, she argued, needs to be progressive, and residents have access to green space and allotments.

To the south of the site is low-rise green belt housing on higher ground, while traditional suburban streets lie to the north.