Concrete Communities

Concrete Communities explores the disconnect between design industry professionals and members of the public.

Through debates and guided architectural tours, it provides a welcoming space for honest conversations about inclusivity, equality, modernity and the importance of community.

Events

Upcoming Events

Event Date Location
Event 009
Date 11.10.2024
Location

Vitsœ Headquarters + Production Building
Leamington Spa. CV31 3NT

Description

Event 009 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 009, a guided tour and lunch will take place. All attendees are invited to view the two exhibitions taking place – The Strong Collection (75 items from Tom Strong's 250+ item collection of Dieter Rams-designed Braun products) and the Architectural Review magazines archive, with magazines dating from 1938 to 2024.

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.

Book
Credit | Jordan Bunker • Concrete Communities

Past Events

Event Date Location
Event 008
Date 18.09.2024
Location

Chart House
16 Chart St. London. N1 6DD

Description

As part of Open House Festival London, Event 008 examined how the built environment is changing in response to our need for more connected communities, regenerated neighbourhoods and a rejection of chain store monopolies.

With a recent shift towards hyper-local retail and 15 minute cities is gaining momentum, people are returning to their high street in search of a friendly face and a more familiar shopping environment. Is it cos play? Or are we really heading back to the heyday of ‘the parade’ concept, with butcher, baker, greengrocer and newsagents conveniently located a short stroll from where we live?

In collaboration with Aucoot, the debate centred around how, in an era of Amazon deliveries and Uber Eats, we’re still claiming to rejoice in the service provided by our independent local shopkeepers. Do we want the best of both worlds?

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Panel:

Leanne Cloudsdale • Host + Moderator
Daniel O'Brien • Aucoot
Ashley Law • Flawk
Paul Milner • ALT STUDIOS
Giorgia Scognamiglio • Lambeth Council

Credit | Edmund Sumner
Event 007
Date 20.09.2024
Location

The Hepworth Wakefield
Gallery Walk
Wakefield. WF1 5AW

Description

Event 007 examines the concept of design education. It will explore how the youngest members of society should be included in conversations about our built environment – and what barriers are in place to prevent this. In order to shape our communities, it makes sense to consult all end users and gather feedback on what works – and what doesn’t.

By opening a dialogue with children and teenagers about what’s needed in our urban landscape, we can guide architects, town planners and design industry specialists with the information needed to make our cities a happier place for those under 18.

Fundamentally, architecture is about problem-solving, but the results rarely offer a complete solution. This is due (in part) to the fact that older, white, middle class males are the dominating force. The diverse voice of youth is seldom heard and we need to shift this dynamic. They are, afterall, the future – and one day, our world will become theirs.

Credit | Iwan Baan

Panel 007

Leanne Cloudsdale, Founder of Concrete Communities

Leanne Cloudsdale

Host + Moderator
Phin Harper, Writer and Curator

Phineas Harper

Writer + Curator
Sahra Hersi, Artist and Spatial Designer

Sahra Hersi

Artist + Spatial Designer
Caz Facey, Director of ING Media

Caz Facey

Director of ING Media
Kathryn Pashley, Product Designer and Academic

Kathryn Pashley

Product Designer + Academic
Iain Monteith, Director of Loader Monteith

Iain Monteith

Director of Loader Monteith
Jess Witkowska, Families and Communities Programmer

Jess Witkowska

Families + Communities Programmer
Mark Parsons, Architect and Educator

Mark Parsons

Architect • Educator
Paul Plunkett, Educator

Paul Plunkett

Educator
Credit | Sam Binstead • Concrete Communities

Documenting 007

For Event 007, members of the panel and design industry guests took part in a guided tour, led by the Wakefield Historical Society. The route focused on buildings of interest local to The Hepworth Wakefield and finished with a specially arranged visit to The Chantry Chapel (of St Mary the Virgin). Built on a medieval bridge over the River Calder in the 14th century, the Grade I listed chapel is one of only four surviving examples in the U.K. The tour ended with custodian Brian (and his dog Mango) taking tour members down the steep, narrow staircase for a snoop around the ancient crypt. It was then back over to The Hepworth for lunch before soundcheck.

Credit | Jordan Bunker • Concrete Communities
Event 006
Date 24.05.2024
Location

Gillian Lynne Theatre
166 Drury Lane
London. WC2B 5PW

Description

Event 006 took place on the set of Standing at the Sky’s Edge – the Olivier award-winning musical about Park Hill, Sheffield. The panel included Leanne Cloudsdale (founder of Concrete Communities), Catherine Croft (Chair of the 20th Century Society), Sujata Burman (London Design Festival) and Ben Stones (SATSE set designer). Standing at the Sky’s Edge has been celebrated as a ‘heartfelt exploration of the power of community’. Through open dialogue, the panel members unraveled their own thoughts about the life-cycle of post-war architecture – in particular, social housing, and tried to unpick the power of the place we call ‘home’.

Credit | Holly Beechener
Event 005
Date 21.05.2024
Location

Groupwork
15A Clerkenwell Close
London. EC1R 0AA

Description

Event 005 took place in London, as part of Clerkenwell Design Week. This was a special one-off event sponsored by CASE Furniture and Cutler & Gross. Concrete Communities founder Leanne Cloudsdale hosted the debate with panel members Matthew Hilton (furniture designer) and Marie Wilkinson (Cutler & Gross). Together they reflected on the history, heritage and legacy of British design pioneers, Robin and Lucienne Day. With decades of industry experience, both Marie and Matthew were able to share unique insight into their process and explore their theories on what makes a ‘design classic’.

Credit | Ella McManus
Event 004
Date 07.03.2024
Location

Nest Showroom 
Park Hill. Sheffield. S2 5QX

Description

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.

Nest showroom, Park Hill in Sheffield.
Credit | Max Hawley • Nest

Panel 004

Leanne Cloudsdale, Founder of Concrete Communities

Leanne Cloudsdale

Founder + Chair
David Carqueijeiro of Louis Poulsen

David Carqueijeiro

Louis Poulsen
Sam Weller of HAY

Sam Weller

HAY
Holly Hay, Image Director

Holly Hay

Image Director
Dr Junjie Huang, Architect and Design Academic

Dr Junjie Huang

Architect + Design Academic
Paul Traynor, Founder of Light Bureau

Paul Traynor

Founder of Light Bureau
Credit | Sam Binstead • Concrete Communities

Documenting 004

For Event 004, members of the panel and a group of design industry guests were invited to take part in a guided tour of two of Sheffield’s most iconic modernist buildings: the Arts Tower (owned by the University of Sheffield) and Park Hill. As well as being given permission to access areas generally inaccessible to the public, members of the tour also had the opportunity to take a ride in the Arts Tower’s paternoster lift – which is the largest (working one) in the U.K.

Credit | Jim Marsden • Concrete Communities
Event 003
Date 20.10.2023
Location

Vitsœ Headquarters + Production Building
Leamington Spa. CV31 3NT

Description

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.

The wooden interior of Vitsœ headquarters and production building in Leamington Spa.
Credit | Dirk Lindner • Vitsœ

Documenting 003

For Event 003, Concrete Communities invited guests to take part in a guided tour of the Vitsœ headquarters and production building in Leamington Spa. Tickets were secured by fans of Dieter Rams, customers of Vitsœ, design industry experts and curious members of the local community. The sold-out event was split into two tour groups – one led by Vitsœ custodian Daniel Calderbank, and the other, by Vitsœ’s managing director, Mark Adams. The event ended with a viewing of the 620 Chair exhibition and a specially-prepared lunch for all attendees. As an active production facility, photography isn’t usually allowed, but on this occasion, permission was given for both tours to be documented by Concrete Communities.

Credit | Jordan Bunker • Concrete Communities

Reviewing 003

As part of the planning process for Event 004, feedback was gathered from attendees of Event 003. Testimonials like these are essential – and help ensure that Concrete Communities remains on track in its aim to deliver (free) events that encourage conversation between the design industry and members of the public. In addition to this, there’s a determination to bring people together so they can foster new friendships and become part of the wider Concrete Community.

Simon Watkins of Labour and Wait.

Simon Watkins
Co-founder of Labour & Wait

“The day was great! I enjoyed the informality and friendliness of the event. It was great to meet so many like-minded individuals, who all shared a passion for Vitsœ. I think Concrete Communities give those with an interest, the opportunity to ‘peek behind the curtain’ at locations which may normally be out of bounds. You get a real insight into the buildings and how they work.”

Alys Bryan of Design Insider.

Alys Bryan
Managing editor at Design Insider

"Self-initiated endeavours like Concrete Communities are exactly what we need more of. It’s creating inclusive, welcoming pathways to design, and access to spaces and conversations most people haven’t had access to before. I feel extremely lucky to have been part of the Vitsœ event – a beautifully curated tour and the chance to sit down over a delicious lunch and meet people I would never have otherwise had the joy to speak with.”

Amy Cooper-Wright of Mark+Fold.

Amy Cooper-Wright
Founder of Mark+Fold

"As the daughter of two architects, I found the clever, technical details of the building fascinating – the wood and the vastness of the space were inspiring and very beautiful. As a Vitsœ customer, I’ve always been fascinated by the genius simplicity of the system and was curious to learn more about how it’s made. To sum up the day, I felt calm, educated, well looked-after – and well fed!”

Robert Walker of By Umberto.

Robert Walker
Founder of By Umberto

“Superb! Mark Adams (Vitsœ) was amazing, his encyclopaedic knowledge of the building – and the products, was incredible. His passion for production, British industry and Leamington’s geographical location was inspiring. The other guests were really nice people, with plenty to talk about regarding architecture, design, art – and everything in between. Day's like this top up my soul. I felt part of something bigger that day. Part of a community."

Event 002
Date 21.09.2023
Location

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
20 Tottenham Street
London. W1T 4RG

Description

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.

Brutalist interior of Southbank Centre, London.
Credit | Richard Battye • Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Panel 002

A profile shot of a man smiling with crossed arms wearing glasses and a green shirt, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

Chris Allen

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
A profile shot of a woman with light hair wearing an open collared shirt, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

Leonie Branston

Designer + Founder of Ferian
A profile shot of a smiling man, wearing a beige open shirt and white t-shirt, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

David McKendrick

Art Director + Paperboy
A profile shot of a man with facial hair with crossed arms wearing a denim jacket, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

John Grindrod

Author
A profile shot of a person smiling with short blonde hair, wearing a patterned, short sleeved shirt and black wallet around their neck, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

Kathryn Pashley

Product Designer + Academic
A profile shot of a man with crossed arms wearing a brown overshirt, white t-shirt and watch, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

Daniel Schofield

Industrial Designer
A profile shot of a smiling man with facial hair, wearing glasses, a striped t-shirt and cap, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

Matt Kelly

Plæy Workshop
A profile shot of a smiling man with facial hair, with wearing a red shirt, in front of a board marked concrete backdrop.

John Booth

Artist + Ceramicist
Credit | Sam Binstead • Concrete Communities

Documenting 002

For Event 002, members of the panel and a small group of design industry guests were invited to take part in a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Southbank Centre in London. It was led by architect Chris Allen, from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios – who was one of the project leaders of the Southbank Centre’s 2018 retrofit. Concrete Communities were given special permission to explore areas normally inaccessible to the public and at the end of the tour, all panel members had their portraits taken, with the iconic board-marked concrete as the backdrop.

Shot from behind, a tour guide and group of people wearing hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back at the Southbank Centre, London.
A tour guide holding a book with three people wearing hi-vis at the Southbank Centre, London.
A tour guide holding a book talking to people at the Southbank Centre, London.
Shot from behind, a group of people wearing hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back at the Southbank Centre, London.
Shot from behind, a group of people wearing hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back at the Southbank Centre, London.
A tour guide holding a book with four people wearing hi-vis at the Southbank Centre, London.
A group of people wearing hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back at the Southbank Centre, London.
Shot from behind, a group of people wearing hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back at the Purcell Room in Southbank Centre, London.
Shot from behind, a group of people wearing hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back at the Southbank Centre, London.
Interior concrete columns at Southbank Centre, London.
A blurry photo of two people wearing high-vis Concrete Community vests in a theatre hall.
A silhouetted shot of a group of people on a tour guide of the main hall at the Southbank Centre, London.
Shot from behind, a group of people wearing hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back at the Southbank Centre, London.
A blurry group of people in front of a board marked concrete wall, at the Southbank Centre, London.
A pigeon sitting on a concrete bollard.
Credit | Jim Marsden • Concrete Communities

Event 002

Event 002 took place during the London Design Festival on 20 October 2023. Tickets sold out within the first few weeks – a clear sign that Concrete Communities is growing and that there’s definitely an appetite for the conversations we’re kickstarting. The evening was split into two sections: Panel 01 from 18:45 to 19:45, followed by a short interval. Panel 02 started at 20:00 and finished at 21:15. After this, both Concrete Communities panels were invited to answer questions from the audience. Thanks to Brixton Brewery for providing the drinks.

Silhouettes of people in front of a Concrete Communities projected logo.
A woman with glasses holding a mic with one hand up.
A smiling man with glasses wearing a green shirt holding a mic.
The side profile of a man wearing a pink jumper, green jacket and black cap.
A Concrete Communities bookmark placed on a white chair.
A man wearing glasses holding a glass and talking to a woman.
Silhouettes of people in front of a Concrete Communities projected logo.
Credit | Hector Marshall • Concrete Communities
Event 001
Date 10.05.2023
Location

The Workstation
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield. S1 2BX

Description

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.

Brutalist building Park Hill, Sheffield designed by Peter Womersley.
Credit | Tim Crocker • Mikhail Riches

Panel 001

A profile shot of a woman with glasses and brown hair wearing a beige shirt and crossed arms.

Leanne Cloudsdale

Founder + Chair
A profile shot of a woman with brown hair wearing a black zipped jacket.

Annalie Riches

Mikhail Riches
A profile shot of a man with brown hair wearing a navy zip top.

Charlie Monaghan

The Modern House
A profile shot of a man smiling with grey hair wearing a grey shirt and green overshirt.

Mark Latham

Urban Splash
A profile shot of a man smiling with brown hair wearing a black top.

Craig Oldham

Office of Craig
A profile shot of a man with glasses wearing a pink jumper and thick framed glasses.

Eddy Rhead

The Modernist
A profile shot of a person with blonde hair and crossed arms wearing a navy cardigan.

Phineas Harper

Open House
A profile shot of a woman smiling with dark hair wearing a black top.

Sadhana Jagannath

Environmental Psychologist
Credit | Sam Binstead • Concrete Communities

Documenting 001

As part of Event 001, members of the panel and design industry guests were invited to take part in a tour of the derelict flanks of Park Hill, Sheffield. Under normal circumstances, these blocks are inaccessible to the public, but after consultation with Urban Splash, Concrete Communities were given permission to view with suitable PPE. On 10 May 2023, the walkways and flats were explored, along with a former pub on the ground floor.

Two people on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at Park Hill, Sheffield.
A group of people talking, wearing hi-vis and hard hats standing in front of Park Hill, Sheffield.
A man wearing a hard hat and hi-vis standing in front of Park Hill flats in Sheffield.
A group of people in hi-vis and hard hats standing in front of Park Hill flats, Sheffield.
A group of people on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at Park Hill, Sheffield.
A group of people on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at Park Hill, Sheffield.
A group of people on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at Park Hill, Sheffield.
People on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at a former derelict pub in Park Hill, Sheffield.
A group of people on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at a former derelict pub in Park Hill, Sheffield.
A group of people on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at a former derelict pub in Park Hill, Sheffield.
A group of people on a tour wearing hard hats and hi-vis at Park Hill, Sheffield.
A group of five men in hi-vis and hard hats standing against a concrete wall having their photo taken.
A group of men talking and crowded round a model of Park Hill flats, Sheffield.
Shot from behind, a group of people wearing hard hats and hi-vis with Concrete Communities logo printed on the back of the jacket.
Credit | Jim Marsden • Concrete Communities

Event 001

Tickets for the first event sold out – an indication that there is clearly an appetite for open and honest conversation about good design. The evening was split into two sections: Panel 01 from 18:45 to 19:45, followed by a short interval. Panel 02 started at 20:00 and finished at 20:45. After this, both Concrete Communities panels were invited to answer questions from the audience. The concluding debate was lively.

A panel of people having a debate with the focus on a person in a navy cardigan and head mic.
A panel of five people debate on a stage.
A panel of people having a debate with the focus on a woman in a white shirt and glasses and a man in a green jacket and glasses.
A panel of five people debate on a stage with audience in foreground.
A panel of five people debate on a stage with audience in foreground.
Credit | Will Roberts • Urban Splash

Filming 001

As the award-winning regeneration company responsible for the retrofit of Park Hill, Urban Splash were keen to create a permanent record of the first Concrete Communities event in Sheffield. A short film was commissioned, which includes an introduction from Concrete Communities founder Leanne Cloudsdale, vox pops from the audience and thoughts from members of both panels.

Credit | Will Roberts • Urban Splash