James Christian's Disruptive Designs Address London's Housing Crisis
Alyson Wyers — October 1, 2014 — Art & Design
References: designmuseum.org & fastcoexist
As a part of the London Design Museum's Designers in Residence program, James Christian created an exhibit exploring a new way to live that addresses London's housing crisis. In an old city that is quickly running out of space, the designer is proposing communities expand via rooftops and car parks.
The global issue of rapid urbanization is reflected in London's housing crisis where an expanding population is struggling to find affordable homes. Interested in community and shared space, Christian drew inspiration from the old London bridge and the slum-like rookeries.
In an attempt to capture closeness, one design features five or six structures surrounding a parking garage courtyard. The inhabitants would determine communally how to use the common area. Small communities could also exist on top of mid-rise buildings.
The global issue of rapid urbanization is reflected in London's housing crisis where an expanding population is struggling to find affordable homes. Interested in community and shared space, Christian drew inspiration from the old London bridge and the slum-like rookeries.
In an attempt to capture closeness, one design features five or six structures surrounding a parking garage courtyard. The inhabitants would determine communally how to use the common area. Small communities could also exist on top of mid-rise buildings.
Trend Themes
1. Rooftop Communities - As space becomes scarce in urban areas, there is potential for disruptive innovation in community building through rooftop expansions.
2. Shared Living Spaces - With increasing urbanization and housing crises, there is opportunity for innovators to create solutions that promote community and shared spaces.
3. Vertical Urbanism - To combat urban sprawl, new opportunities for innovation lie in designing and developing communities that expand vertically through the use of mid-rise buildings and other structures.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - The real estate industry could utilize rooftop and mid-rise designs to create more living space in already crowded urban areas.
2. Architecture - As urbanization continues to be a global issue, architects can explore new designs and building techniques to create innovative living spaces in crowded cities.
3. Community Development - Innovators in community development could explore new approaches to shared spaces and community living to address housing crises and social isolation in urban areas.
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