ARCHITECT's Katharine Keane reports that after three months of site visits, fact finding workshops, and resident interviews, the team of architects tasked with updating and redesigning housing estate Lancaster West—home to the Grenfell Tower—has released preliminary renderings of design solutions as part of a 456-page book of ideas. This effort was initiated in the months following the deadly Grenfell Tower fire, which left 71 people dead; however, the tower is not included in renovation plans.
"These books are the next steps in our work with architects and the council to design the future of the estate," wrote the Lancaster West Residents' Association in the report. "This work will give us a major voice on the future of our own homes."
During the research process, teams from London firms Adjaye Associates, Cullinan Studio, Levitt Bernstein, Maccreanor Lavington, Murray John Architects, and Penoyre & Prasad discovered multiple common issues experienced by residents, including inefficient apartment layouts lacking storage and accessibility; poor ventilation and insulation; delinquent maintenance on elevators, gutters, lighting, and corridors; insufficient trash collection and pest control; poor security protocols; lack of indoor and outdoor community spaces and gardens; and unenforced parking regulations. The residents also expressed interest in incorporating clean energy solutions such as solar panels
