Emilio Pérez Piñero represents the paradigm of the architect inventor of the twentieth century. His extraordinary mind developed through a series of special circumstances in the early stages of his life, and further, through his own disciplined dedication, he was able to produce a wealth of work of a richness and complexity that go beyond innovation and problem solving. Invention in Pérez Piñero’s work was the result of a masterly mathematical command and a highly developed three-dimensional vision, which enabled him to see possible solutions that had been considered impossible before him. His geodesic domes are true structural landmarks and his folding reticulated structures, in which dynamic folding mechanisms are designed so as to reach equilibrium when fully stretched at the point at which they become static structures, are the culmination of a body of work that has no comparison in the panorama of the architecture of the time.

Archio interviewed by Dhruv Sookhoo and Ava Lynam

Kyle Buchanan and Mellis Haward, directors of architectural practice Archio, reflect on their experience developing a toolkit of practices that facilitate co-design of community-led housing.

In this interview, Buchanan and Haward examine the participatory approaches that Archio adopts to negotiate the delivery of enhanced housing outcomes [1]. They describe building trust with residents by interpreting their lived experiences and aspirations through architectural knowledge and practices. Discussion focuses on the co-production of design artefacts as tools that enable community stakeholders to negotiate shared ambitions for their neighbourhood within community-based development and regulatory processes (e.g. development management).

In 2016, Archio was invited by London Community Land Trust and Citizens UK to compete for the opportunity to design and deliver eleven affordable homes on a disused garage site at Brasted Close, in Lewisham, London [2]. Unusually, a “Pick an Architect” workshop was held on the development site, where the public was able to evaluate prospective architectural teams for their ability to engage future residents and neighbouring communities in the collective examination of fundamental socio-spatial aspects of the project. Archio’s successful approach at the pioneering community land trust at Brasted Close anticipated their development of a toolkit of practices that emphasise collaboration during community-led development of affordable housing. These design tools were refine through use across a series of later commissions including a co-housing project at Angel Yard, Norwich and a resident-led estate regeneration scheme at Astley Estate, Southwark.

The use of bio-based construction materials in Haiti could help the construction sector to transition, from non-seismic unreinforced masonry structures towards materials that can reverse catastrophic deforestation, promote ecological regeneration, and help save the soil. Architecture has a role to play in this vision, by creating new designs and incentivising clients to invest in new materials.