It’s not a coincidence that we fill our homes with potted plants, blush every time we receive flowers or enjoy strolling through botanical gardens. Edward O Wilson argued that humans evolved alongside the natural world and therefore have an innate affiliation with it [1], this core principle will form the basis for my design thesis….
Read more

Loneliness is as detrimental to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day [1] and is increasingly experienced by people of all ages. In the UK, a particularly vulnerable group are the 3.64 million living alone, aged 65 and over [2]. It’s no secret that loneliness negatively impacts our physical and mental health – 1…
Read more

First place is of course the finest award you can achieve, but how good is First place, Phoenix – the residential development that offers options for adults living with autism and related disorders [2]. I first came across this scheme whilst researching ‘New Models of Care’ within the module Housing Alternatives ARC8069, which led me…
Read more

The Rise is located in the electoral ward of Benwell and Scotswood of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. With the completion of 1st phase (4 phases remain)[1], it intends to accommodate “diverse, sustainable and forward looking community” comprised of the local working class population[2]. I will further assess The Rise according to 12 criteria of Building for Life. Each…
Read more

In order to better understand the BFL, I went to personally inspect the Park View residential project. Park View is a residential development by Miller Homes with a total site area of approximately 3.95 hectares, located next to Saltwell Park. Author’s own Connection Green The road system is very clear, and every community is well…
Read more

According to BFL12 and traffic light system, this project gets 7 green, 5 amber, 0 red 1.Connect Δ Park View lies along the eastern edge of Saltwell Park and just west of the sought-after Low Fell neighbour. The community roads are closely connected with the surroundings. 2.Facilities and services Δ It is about 10 minutes by…
Read more

Building for Life comprises of 12 criteria [1] in which a housing scheme can be assessed and awarded an appropriate red, amber or green symbol based on how successfully the development meets each criteria. I have chosen to analyse Smith’s Dock in North Shields – a trendy new development which combines cutting edge urban living,…
Read more

Axwell Park Courtyard, a secluded development set in a landscape of woodlands. Visiting the scheme, it genuinely feels like the countryside. In this post, I will be analysing the development in relation to the Building for Life 12 criteria; designed to help structure discussions on new residential developments to help identify what issues matter to…
Read more