The second event in RUSS’s 2019 Community Housing Meeting series centred around examples of innovative self-build projects from overseas. Ted Stevens (Founding Chair, National Custom and Self-Build Association) presented the findings of his two-year research project examining self-build community housing across Europe. This was followed by group discussions, in which attendees reflected on the lessons and inspirations that could be drawn out from Ted’s case studies for RUSS and the UK housing system.
Ted Stevens: Learning from our neighbours
Ted Stevens OBE is one of the UK’s leading community-led housing and self-build campaigners. He founded the National Custom and Self-Build Association (NaCSBA) and is a RUSS trustee.
Drawing on case studies from across Europe, Ted mapped out a set of innovative community housing projects that have achieved success across a wide range of contexts, project aims and approaches. These included community groups refurbishing condemned council flats in the Netherlands, council-facilitated affordable plots of land dedicated to self-builds in France, and cross-subsidising flat block designs by co-op groups in Belgium. The diversity of the kinds of projects happening across the continent, and the remarkable stories of success that were shared, gave the room a real sense of possibility and excitement. One of the most shocking parts of the talk demonstrated just how few houses built in the UK are self-builds compared to other OECD countries:
Group discussion
Building on the examples and lessons shared in Ted’s presentation, the groups reflected on two key questions. Here are some of the themes and feedback from the discussion:
1. What should good housing include?
One of the elements of Ted’s presentation that resonated with many groups was the idea that space and design can be used to facilitate community. ‘Hidden parking’ underneath properties, for example, was one feature used in a number of projects to create room for pedestrianised areas where people could socialise.
Several groups developed this theme, exploring ideas like allotments, “communal dining spaces”, play areas for children, and sharing schemes for tools and skills. Other themes included:
Public space: “Shared space”, “pedestrianised areas”.
Community: “Bonding between residents”, “knowing our neighbours”.
Co-creation: “Being involved in the design”, “having a sense of ownership and pride”.
Diversity: “Intergenerational”, “diverse backgrounds”, “mixed tenure”, “inclusivity”.
Environmentally friendly: “Sustainable”, “energy efficient”, “green spaces”.
Characterful: “Crafted – knowing someone cared in the decision and execution”, “adaptable/flexible”.
Comfortable: “Ventilation and natural light”, “soundproofing”, “storage”.
Affordable
Secure
2. Why does RUSS appeal to you?
“I like to exchange ideas with local like-minded people and hear their opinions”
“Opportunity to hear about great ideas in practice”
“I want to get involved in planning and decision-making”
“It is inspiring to see a community organising”
“Living together and being proud of where we live can make us better as a society and as individuals”
“I like the good vibe of the meetings”
“Friendly folk”
Next meeting
The next event in the series will be on Wednesday 20th March, which will cover Community Gardens and Community Gardening with a speaker and group discussions.
The meeting kicks off in Ladywell Good Hope Café at 7pm. We hope to see you there!
Check out the RUSS events calendar to see what else is coming up.
Blog post written by: Ethan Williams, RUSS member
P.S. A recording of Ted Steven’s talk at the February meeting is also available on YouTube (we’re aware that the audio quality isn’t brilliant in places – so if you’re interested in helping with future recordings get in touch at members@theruss.org )
& the full slides from Ted’s presentation can be viewed here Talk for RUSS Members Feb 2019
