As part of the London Festival of Architecture, we are hosting an exhibition and panel discussion, presenting our research into historic typologies. The contemporary interpretation of almshouses is the focus of several of our recent projects including; Steepleton, Tetbury, The Chapter House, Lichfield, John Dower House, Cheltenham and Hargood Close, Colchester.

With their origins dating back to the 10th century, almshouses were built to accommodate the vulnerable in society and were created through charitable donations. This historic domestic model captures a rich layer of cultural, spatial and social memory. Sometimes deemed overly paternalistic, the architectural form however can potentially act as a model for higher density, low rise living: nurturing a sense of community and encouraging social interaction.

The exhibition and discussion chaired by Chris Foges, Editor of Architecture Today, will consider the social implication of this historic typology and the role it might play in providing future models for later living and general needs housing.

Panel members include:



Claire Bennie: past Development Director at Peabody who now leads housing development consultancy Municipal

Jenny Pannell: Housing Specialist

John Nordon: Design Director at PegasusLife

Willemijn Wilms Floet: Assistant Professor at the Delft University of Technology

We will also be raising funds and exhibiting work from the Mannan Foundation Trust’s current project – the building of a Women’s Literacy and Health Care Centre in Rajapur village, Bangladesh.

The event will take place at Bermondsey Photography Studio - 18a Wild's Rents, London, SE1 4QB - between 6 - 9pm.