This thesis project aims to look at the inequalities in the housing market, and examines alternative solutions to homogenous estates, in a post-capitalist context. Under the Marxist-Feminist principles of collective ownership, expression of personal identity, and a responsibility to environment and community, a large scale Mistressplan and a method of adaptable housing have been developed. The proposal aims to question the faults in a Capitalist way of thinking by creating homes which are tangible, yet value quality of life and expression over creating excessive personal capital.
The Mistressplan focuses on introducing a cycle and pedestrian dominated transport network, with infrastructure dedicated to electric vehicles, along with a process of cyclical re-greening. It is designed around the three key typologies, The Adaptable, The Incremental and The Self Build, each of which offer varying degrees of flexibility and input from the user. They are designed to evolve along with the community, aiming to reduce waste and increase individuality, all holding in common the use on an internal courtyard, used to produce food, promote interaction and hold events.
The Adaptable Typology has gone on to be developed in detail, the components designed to reduce the use of wet trades, with a kit of parts methodology. The driving concept is to supply a construction method that offers multiple options that can fit to a range of families and uses, can be adapted and re-constructed, whilst also maintaining a consistent architectural aesthetic. The project aims to reinstate the home user as a leading contributor to design, with the architect as advisor, as a method of reconnecting people to their local area.
