FE UAL 17-18 Design & Media

/ Decomposing statements https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/18/-sp-truth-about-gentrification-how-woodberry-down-became-woodberry-park These are statements I have plucked from an article about the Woodberry Downs Redevelopment in North London but I felt that all of these have details that more-or-less apply to everyone in the same situation. These excerpts are from the perspective of current and previous residents about the process of the redevelopment and how they viewed it. I have to say I wasn't that surprised at the comments made. They all seem to express some sort of anguish and resentment at what has happened to the place they live. There weren't any statements showing enthusiasm or hope towards what was to come. It turns out that the housing association in charge of the Woodberry Downs redevelopment program used a very negative portrayal of the area to 'whip up support among tenants' essentially brain-washing them into

/  Tower Twins Trellick and Balfron Towers are two very great examples of social housing that has succeeded in London. Balfron tower underwent a lot of criticism for its style as it was built in a period of time in London when Brutalism was going out of style. There was a lot of doubt that it would be a success. Trellick Tower, on the other hand, also had a cloud looming over it as it became a hotspot for crime during its early years. However, over 50 years on and they are both regarded as Grade II listed buildings and are in high demand amongst potential buyers.  The thing I want to try and understand is why and how a building went from a hotspot for drugs, stabbings, petty crime and prostitution (Trellick Tower) to now being regarded in the same light as the Barbican center and other, similarly listed buildings. The fact that the buildings exterior appearance hasn't changed since it was constructed in the 70's rules out the idea of gentrification.

/ What is Social Housing By looking into what social housing is and how it works I have been able to further my knowledge on my chosen topic. It is incredibly vital that I am up to date with what it is I am tackling otherwise my project may be misinformed. / Articles about the social housing crisis I am aware that there is a housing crisis in this country, that was a main influence on why I wanted to pursue a project like this. I, myself, live on a council estate and I wouldn't prefer to live anywhere else. I feel I have an odd sense of responsibility on this topic as I have been living in council owned property my whole life.  Upon reading a number of articles, all loosely based around the issue of social housing in the UK, they all seem to point to one aver-arching opinion, that they are failing and they are generally disliked by the government, authorities and the people who live near them. Reading said articles has led me to be quite taken aback by some