CHILDREN BUILD PROTOTYPE TO SOLVE LONDON’S HOUSING CRISIS
The ‘Hut House’, a new structure built by children and young people at Lollard Street Adventure Playground is opening to the public this Friday. The building is being seen as a new ‘self build’ solution to London’s escalating housing crisis.
Amid the capital’s chronic housing shortfall and an inability to build enough homes for its population quick enough; the ‘Hut House’ was completed in a record six weeks. Designed, procured and constructed by children and young people aged 9 – 14 at the Adventure Playground in South London, the structure has been turning the heads of local youngsters and builders alike.
‘We’ve all heard a lot about the potential of self-build, the Wiki House and many other new housing typologies to address London’s housing crisis. Today, our young people have picked up tools and turned their ideas into reality at a speed many in the housing sector would dream of’. Huan Rimington, Risk Agency Programme Leader
The project was part of a year long youth construction programme lead by charity Risk Agency. Set up by award-winning company Adventure Playground Engineers in 2014, Risk Agency gives young people the opportunity to build their skills, health and confidence by leading construction projects in their own neighbourhoods.
Martina Mina, Project Leader said: “Today, too many young people are denied the skills, experiences and connections needed to achieve. This project is just one example of what young people can do given the right opportunity’.
“It was amazing to see the kids construct the structure from start to finish. Being given the freedom and responsibility to actually build something this big really meant a lot to the group.” Philip White, Senior Playworker, Lollard Street Adventure Playground.
Notes to editors
Journalists are invited to the structure’s opening at 4pm Friday 21st September, 102 Lollard Street, Kennington, London SE11 6PX. Please contact Huan Rimington on 07427 704291 or email info@riskagency.org to confirm attendance. Participants will be available for photos and interviews.
Risk Agency was set up in 2014 by award-winning company Adventure Playground Engineers (APES) in response to young people’s lack of meaningful opportunities to access the capital’s extensive construction industry. The charity turns the traditional apprenticeship model on its head by putting young people in control of bold and ambitious building projects. By taking the lead on real projects with Risk Agency’s support, users develop their vocational, professional and leadership skills, enabling them to fulfil their potential.
Lollard Street Adventure Playground has been run by local charity the Kennington Association since it reopened in October 2013. The site is open to 6-16-year-olds every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during term time (3:30pm-7pm) and every weekday during the school holidays (10.30am-4pm). The playground is currently recruiting trustees and volunteers to support its ongoing developments. Please contact info@lollardstplay.org.uk, call Philip White on 020 7793 9592 or visit www.lollardstplay.org.uk for further information.
The programme was funded by BBC Children In Need.
Contact
Huan Rimington, Risk Agency: 07427 704291
info@riskagency.org
www.riskagency.org
@RiskAgency