Concrete Communities

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.

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.

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 gaining momentum, people are returning to their high street in search of a friendly face and a more familiar shopping environment. The event took place at Chart House in Hackney – an elegantly redeveloped 1930s masonry warehouse in Hackney. Designed by Ian Chalk Architects, it won the RIBA Regional Award (London) in 2023.

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Panel:

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

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.

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’.

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’.

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.