‘Revolutionary Low Rise’ launch at the Barbican Centre

In October 2020 we launched our experimental low-rise housing report and publication to a sold‑out crowd as part of the Architecture Foundation’s ‘Architecture on Stage’ programme at the Barbican Centre, London.

Authored by Mike Althorpe (Research and Culture) and Abigail Batchelor (Associate Director) and featuring outstanding new drawings and illustrations by the studio, ‘Revolutionary Low Rise – Informing London’s Suburban Densification’ explores lessons for the capital’s future growth from nine radical low-rise housing projects in the UK, USA and Europe.

Chaired by Ellis Woodman (AF) and featuring presentations from the authors with project supervisor historian Mark Swenarton, and responses by Paul Karakusevic, Deborah Saunt (DSDHA) and Rachel Hearn (Principal Urban Design Officer, London Borough of Havering), the event debated the project and report’s key findings in light of the emerging changes and key themes of the Draft New London Plan.

Supported by the RIBA Research Fund, the report has been created in response to London’s future housing challenges. With new essays, plans and illustrations and a resident interviews, ‘Revolutionary Low Rise’ aims to be an accessible and useful guide to density for practitioners of all kinds.