THE IN BETWEEN — chengcanyang

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Here to explore the complexities of urban environments, tell stories through spatial design, and capture moments through visual media.

The In-Between/Field Research

Group work
Research Project
34 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 5UA
September-December 2022

This research project aims to implement a temporary intervention in the existing South Kilburn estates, anticipating future demolition and regeneration through cooperation with residents and local communities. The goal is to swiftly address current challenges and enhance the residents' quality of life. Through a community-driven approach, the project seeks to identify and resolve immediate issues in infrastructure, public spaces, and social amenities.

By involving residents in the decision-making process, the interventions aim to align with the community's unique needs and aspirations. The project also explores innovative solutions for the built environment, incorporating elements like green spaces and communal areas. This proactive approach aims to create an immediate positive impact and lay the foundation for a resilient and vibrant community, bridging the transition to future regeneration.

The South Kilburn Estates, designed by the Brent Borough Architect's Department, initially comprised 2-to-3-bedroom apartments in 12-13 storey tower blocks. To meet demand, 18 storey blocks were later added. However, the lack of consideration for social factors led to cramped, prison-like layouts conducive to crime. This resulted in a surge of violence and criminal activities, including shootings, stabbings, and drug trade controlled by gangs.

Due to decades of neglect by the Brent Council, lack of maintenance and care planning ambition and the prevalent occurrence of crime led the South Kilburn Estates to fall into a dire condition. Redevelopment was very well needed, plans for a regeneration scheme commenced in 2010, and with the demolition of Bronte House and Fielding House located onCambridge Road in 2014 started the near 20 years journey of the redevelopment scheme (click here to know more about South Kilburn regeneration scheme.)

South Kilburn is currently a problematic area due to ongoing construction, challenging living conditions, and residential issues associated with the regeneration scheme. Our project aims to implement a temporary intervention targeted at a group of 5-10 children to improve the living environment in the existing South Kilburn estates that are yet to be demolished and regenerated. During this stage, we will conduct multiple field research studies to develop toolkits that help us address the issues more specifically.

Research toolkit #1: Interviewing

Interview the staff in Granville Community Center

Existing children-activities-based communities

In order to really understand about the South Kilburn community, what better way to interview the one of only two community centres in South Kilburn, The Granville. They offer arts and crafts classes, personal development and skill building courses, and cater to all age groups.

Click here to see the full interview text.

From our interview two key points that was brought up: First, the uncertainty of when and where the residents of the existing South Kilburn Estates will be able to move and/ or allocated to, due to the constant delays to the entire regeneration programme; Second, the “meanwhile”. What could be done meanwhile the constantly changing built environment due to the regeneration scheme, but also temporary measures that could be adapted between now and the future.

Research toolkit #2: Questionnaire

Our team visited open spaces in South Kilburn to engage with children, conducting surveys and asking them to draw their ideas about what they want in South Kilburn, which served as both a visual and ideational reference for our subsequent strategy.

Children's graffiti of imaging their future lving environment

We have refined the design based on the data gathered from South Kilburn communities and local residents.

click here to see the design stratgy for South Kilburn

Field by Urban Research Field Research Pracitcial Design Visualization

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