School of Architecture faculty members Lawrence Blough and Deborah Gans were awarded a $50,000 grant from PennPraxis Case Studies in Design to research a community-led project. Their case study focuses on Rural Urban Synthesis Society’s Church Grove, a housing project consisting of 36 affordable homes and a community hub in Lewisham, London. Located within the center of a large city on a land trust established by RUSS—a type that is often aspired to but rarely executed because of the complexities of building codes, financing and policy—makes it of particular importance. Additionally, at Church Grove, the architectural system includes self-built components and management of shared resources that demonstrates community process, values and on-site job training continuing the legacy of Walter Segal Architect. Their work includes historical research, analytical drawings and interviews with stakeholders culminating in a written report and future symposium at University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design.
SoA Faculty Lawrence Blough and Deborah Gans Awarded Grant from PennPraxis Case Studies in Design
Image credit: Sheheard Epstein Hunter
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