Concrete Communities

Event 004 examines the concept of ‘light’. The health benefits of living and working in an environment with ample amounts of natural light, in addition to well-designed and well-executed artificial lighting are universally acknowledged. Lighting is one of the most important elements of architecture, influencing how we interpret a building, as well as the way we function within the space. 

Numerous studies show that light affects our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, boosts the production of Vitamin D in our bodies, helps us focus, enhances our mood and increases our sense of happiness. Floor-to-ceiling windows are often seen in modernist architecture – with Park Hill, Sheffield as an excellent example of this. Rooms at Park Hill are designed to maximise exposure to sunlight, even on the darkest days. 

Sheffield-based furniture retailer Nest is synonymous with lighting. From the classic, iconic Louis Poulsen pendants to the portable, rechargeable LED lamps designed by HAY. For Concrete Communities 004, we’ll bring together a panel of experts in the fields of lighting, design and architecture to debate how light makes us feel, with the Nest showroom at Park Hill as the chosen venue.

Event 003 examines the purpose-built headquarters of Vitsœ. Like its Dieter Rams-designed furniture, the building was conceived as a universal modular system – a kit of parts. For Concrete Communities 003, a guided tour will take place, after which, all attendees are invited to stay for lunch.

Completed in 2017, the Warwickshire premises houses product-assembly, research & development, overnight accommodation, a kitchen and expansive dining space, in addition to work zones for the Vitsœ team. The health and well-being of the Vitsœ workforce is central to the building’s design. Orientated precisely north-south, its saw-tooth roof provides natural light and ventilation while generating electricity via photovoltaic panels. Artificial lighting is rarely needed during daylight hours.

The building’s structure, walls, roof, and wall-insulation are all made of wood. Vitsœ has used beech in its furniture since 1959, so it was entirely appropriate that the building’s structure is constructed of beech laminate-veneer lumber. The building was fabricated off-site. Finished components – up to 25m in length – were erected by two computer-controlled cranes. The entire structure was assembled in 23 working days.

Event 002 examines the Southbank Centre in London. Regarded as a landmark piece of post-war public architecture, this integrated complex of buildings includes the Hayward Gallery, the Purcell Room and the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Masterminded as a neofuturistic accompaniment to the (now Grade I listed) Royal Festival Hall, it was a brutalist celebration of the future – a concrete commitment to people, art and culture. Commissioned by London County Council, it was completed in 1968, with architects Warren Chalk, Dennis Crompton and Ron Herron credited as having the greatest influence on its radical design.

Concrete Communities 002 invites experts from the design industry, in addition to Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (the award-winning architects’ responsible for the 2018 retrofit of the Southbank Centre) to talk about how the democratisation of good design could help promote happiness and improve our lives.

The launch event celebrates J.L. Womersley’s brutalist masterpiece, Park Hill, which has defined the Sheffield skyline since completion in 1961. Now Grade II* listed, the ‘streets in the sky’ are once again home to proud residents who report a growing sense of happiness at their decision to live in a refurbished concrete icon.

Concrete Communities 001 invites experts from the design industry – in addition to Mikhail Riches (the architect’s responsible for the award-winning retrofit of Park Hill Phase 2) to talk about how modernist communal living can positively benefit our mental health.