HCA workshop: University of East London 24 November 2015

6 Nov 2015 11:04 AM

The HCA is organising a free, one day workshop for affordable housing providers and developers on the design of external spaces on new housing developments.

The event will include presentations by expert practitioners and academics; workshops aiming to explore key design principles using evidence from real projects; and opportunities to network with an audience of registered providers and affordable housing developers.

Evidence from Quality Counts – the HCA’s annual survey of affordable housing residents – highlights the importance of high quality outdoor space; for recreation, drying clothes, parking bikes, or simply to provide an attractive environment. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that the design of outdoor space can also have a big impact on people’s health and happiness – through encouraging social interaction, promoting healthier modes of transport, supporting mental wellbeing and improving environmental quality.

This workshop will explore these issues and delegates will join us in proposing some overarching principles to consider in the design and provision of external space for homes.

The event will cover:

  • principles for the design of external space and evidence for their impact

  • how design and layout of spaces can influence community social life

  • lessons from practice - what we can learn from existing examples?

  • delivery considerations and solutions

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Noel Farrer – President of the Landscape Institute
  • Prof. Matthew Carmona – Professor of Planning and Urban Design, The Bartlett School of Planning at UCL
  • Bob Allies – Founding Partner, Allies and Morrison
  • David Rudlin – Director, URBED
  • Dr. Elanor Warwick - Head of Strategic Research, Affinity Sutton
  • Glyn Tully – Head of Landscape & Urban Design, Levitt Bernstein
  • Scott Adams – Senior Designer, HTA
  • Dinah Bornat – ZCD Architects and Senior Lecturer, University of East London

This event is aimed at professionals involved in the commissioning, development and delivery of new affordable housing developments, including:

  • registered providers (directors and managers responsible for design, development and asset management)

  • technical specialists (architects, urban designers, house builders and contractors)

  • local housing authorities (particularly stock owning authorities with new-build programmes; housing, design and sustainability functions)

To book your place email antonio.irranca@hca.gsi.gov.uk. Presentations and other resources will be available on this page after the workshop.