The London Community Land Trust is making strides with the Citizens House in Lewisham, an all-white apartment building with 11 affordable homes that overlook a public square. Land trusts—which are non-profit organizations that own and manage land—have certainly accelerated as the housing crises persist in metropolitan cities like London.
The Citizens House was designed and built by the local architectural practice Archio. The firm was selected to work on the project following a public vote by members of the community. The building for the London Community Land Trust was completed in partnership with Lewisham Citizens, Lewisham Council, and the Greater London Authority. In addition to the affordable units, the availability and potential of public space was a key consideration for the design of the space.
Land Trust Housing Blocks
Archio Completes an Apartment Complex for London Community Land Trust
Trend Themes
1. Land Trust Housing - The rise of non-profit land trusts owning and managing land to address affordable housing shortages presents opportunities for architects and builders to design and construct housing units that meet community needs.
2. Community-voted Design - The practice of involving community members in the design process through public votes presents opportunities for architects and builders to create structures that accurately reflect the needs and desires of the surrounding area.
3. Design for Public Space - The consideration and design for public space in architecture presents an opportunity to address community needs and increase social cohesion in urban areas.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers have an opportunity to work with land trusts to design and build affordable housing that meets community needs.
2. Non-profit Management - The rise of non-profit land trusts presents opportunities for those experienced in non-profit management to become involved in the housing crisis and work towards a solution.
3. Government and Public Policy - Local governments and public policy makers have an opportunity to partner with non-profit land trusts to address affordable housing shortages and create better communities through access to public space.