This study conducted by Architecture Sans Frontières UK aimed to highlight the social impact to be caused by the high-speed train connection to Birmingham, HS2. The connection will cost around 50 billion Pounds and will transform part of London into a big construction site. To accommodate the expansion of the Euston Station, 3 to 6 housing units will be demolished and many streets will remain closed for many years.
I collaborated with the group looking at the housing estate close to the station. We began by walking around the estate and observing what is life like. We learned that many people were quite angry at the HS2 development and would not want to talk to someone approaching them on the streets. We devised a more inviting way of approaching people, inviting them to enter our temporary home and have a cup of tea and a little chat.
While having a chat, we would show a map of the neighborhood and ask targeted questions about the quality of life provided by the housing estate. We took note of what people wanted to keep and what they would like to change. Summarizing and relating this feedback took a lot of data analysis work.
Finally, the perceptions collected about future developments in the area were compiled into posters and exhibited at a local Church, which was followed by a debate with the representatives of the Camden Council, London Citizens and the tenant association of the housing estate.
Collected voices
Interactive map prototype
The map included the exact location of the issues raised by the inhabitants, pictures and audio interview excerpts.
Read the full report published by Architecture Sans Frontières.
