Over the last four years I have found a passion for pushing the boundaries of architecture through the lens of developing innovation and technology, as well as breaking down social and environmental problems through pre-existing theories and methodologies.
A Breakdown of the Cultural Capital Theory through the lens of Child Poverty
Located in central Manchester, The Pathway serves as a vital support system for children living in poverty. Despite the city’s overall prosperity, Manchester ranks 8th in the UK for child poverty rates which derives from challenges within their home environments, leading to limited opportunities for these children. The Pathway addresses these critical issues by collaborating with initiatives like Sure Start, Two Bridges, and Green Skills Academy for the children, while also partnering with local organisations like the Sustainable Technology Hub and AEH to tackle underlying problems families face at home.
Inspired by the Cultural Capital theory, which analyses societal levels of opportunity, the project aims to deconstruct existing systems. Architecturally, it seeks to dismantle boundaries and structures that perpetuate inequality, fostering a more inclusive environment within its framework.
Image 1 -2: A conceptualisation of institutionalised cultural capitals that define social hierarchy
Image 3-4: Colliding social systems through the reintegration through network, infrastructure and opportunity
Exploration of Carbon Concrete acting as a beacon for the NWCC
Manchester, a city renowned for innovation and technological advancement, boasts a projected GVA growth of 2.4-2.6% solely from Professional, Scientific, and Technological Services. Despite this, the atmosphere of elitism prevails in these innovation centres, presenting a disconnect from the community, contradicting the city’s aim of fostering inclusivity and blurred spatial boundaries.
To address this, The Carbon Catalyst focuses on integrating the community with innovation centres, particularly the Northwest Composites Centre. This centre, specialising in composite processing for Aerospace, Transport, Construction, and Energy sectors, serves as an exemplary model of community integration within research and innovation realms, bridging academia with broader societal engagement.
A Study into Behavioural Design through the lens of Kinetic Architecture
The ongoing battle of security and safety in South Africa
South Africa’s built environment, post-apartheid, highlights an influx in crime. Specifically home invasions, which is heightened by load-shedding. The increase in crime has resulted in a surge of gated communities and fortified homes which highlights the breakdown of social norms in the built environment and changed spatial attributes.
This research critically examines security strategies in South Africa through behavioural design theories and proposes a behaviour targeted approach through kinetic facade systems, aimed to improve the ongoing battle of safety and security.
