IN-PERSON London. Section A

Abstract

Basildon is one of the most dangerous cities in Essex and is among the top 20 in the UK. In 2022, the overall crime rate was 131 crimes per 1,000 people, most of which occurred in urban spaces. This data indicates the necessity of considering innovative ways to support communities and reconsidering the design and occupancy of urban areas. This research presents a community engagement project as a case study: “This is our Space, Basildon” will take place in January and February 2024 as a part of the Basildon Creative Tech Festival. The project was funded by the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and organised by the author in collaboration with Basildon City Council and Studio Forty, a local architectural practice. The project is based on two one-day workshops. During the workshops, the architects, the researchers, six architecture students from ARU, and 25-30 children from Basildon will design and build a temporary architectural installation in Basildon. The final piece is expected to be a collaborative, playful, and flexible urban sculpture. A critical investigation will be conducted on the design ideas, the final installation, and feedback collected from the people involved, assessing the project’s outcomes. The research will demonstrate how the workshops supported the Basildon communities in rethinking their urban spaces, enhancing a sense of belonging, ownership, and safety. Furthermore, this case study suggests a collaborative effort between local authorities, residents, private partners, and HE institutions as an innovative opportunity for creating a more secure and prosperous urban environment.