East London in Flux
New project to explore the changes taking place in the area with local residents
New project to explore the changes taking place in the area with local residents
Fundamental Architectural Inclusion, an architecture centre that seeks new ways for communities to participate in the transformation of their neighbourhoods, and Birkbeck are launching a new project called East London in Flux. The project aims to work with residents of the ‘Olympic boroughs’ to explore the idea of regeneration and question why the area is so attractive to major developers, politicians, international companies, academic and sporting institutions.
Dr Leslie Topp, Senior Lecturer in History of Architecture at Birkbeck, said: “In a fast-changing environment knowledge is everything. A better understanding of the motivations and realities of regeneration in east London could enable residents to play a key role in helping their family, children and wider community to truly benefit from the thousands of new jobs, businesses, homes and neighbourhoods being planned.”
East London in Flux will include a series of free, informal adult and family-orientated discussion sessions and events which provide opportunities to explore the regeneration on the horizon.
Nick Edwards of Fundamental Architectural Inclusion, said: “We want to gauge the interest and views of local people so that we can put together a stimulating and practical programme of enquiry and will be holding an initial focus group for that purpose. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible in the area – whether you think that the Olympics were ‘the best thing ever’ to happen to the boroughs or whether you are more sceptical.”
On Saturday 16 November there will be an initial free, fun, informal focus group held at University Square Stratford, during which the East London in Flux organisers hope to hear from local residents about which topics they would like the project to cover and ideas for activities. The focus group will include food and a guided walking tour exploring the changes in the local area.
Event details:
Date: 16 November 2013
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: University Square Stratford, 1 Salway Place, London E15 1NN