What can be learned from this project?
• Odham’s Walk demonstrates that local residents’ input from the outset is key to the success of the project. Their combined will is strong enough to overturn a plan, but it is also strong enough to propel a project forwards in the face of many obstacles.
• This development caters to people throughout their lives, helping people to maintain community links and providing generational diversity. This makes for a stronger community over time.
• The architecture strikes a balance between providing personal and private space as well as giving residents enough visibility of their neighbours’ homes to provide security and a sense of community.
The people of Odhams Walk
• Provision for plants and trees in the architecture has helped the building to age gracefully and given the environment a warmer, greener feeling.
• The formation of the CGCA, Tennant Management Organisation and the residents association by the people of the area has provided them with cohesive, organised and dynamic bodies with which they can counter the challenges presented to them. These are the self-made tools that can set one group of people apart from another.
Topics associated with this project
Community-led, Housing, London, Private sector