Rethinking Design: housebuilders’ initial responses to the pandemic

Covid-19 is having a profound impact on what people now want from their homes, with bigger houses and outdoor space top of the wishlist. How should housing design reflect these new priorities?

Earlier this summer six finalists were chosen by the RIBA in a government-sponsored competition to design the “Home of 2030”. Alongside a proposal for homes made 98% from organic material were innovative modular designs that allowed buyers to pick and choose layouts using interchangeable parts.

The competition understandably asked entrants to address both sustainability and practical deliverability, in order that the designs might provide a template to meet the housing crisis. But – commissioned before the coronavirus pandemic struck in March – it did not ask them to respond to the covid crisis and lockdown.

…

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community