Meet this years YU Small Grant Scheme's Winner
Read all about the project we are supporting from our Young Urbanist Hal Mellen
Going Back to Back-to-Back – Hal Mellen
Urbanists frequently establish direct links between housing designs and their perceived success or failure. Back-to-back housing is a notable example, which was heavily criticised for fostering the slum conditions that plagued many UK cities during the 20th century. These substandard living environments spurred the rise of modernist architecture, which promoted high-rise apartments set within generous green spaces to help deliver light and airy accommodation. However, this shift introduced its own set of problems.
Today, architects and planners are revisiting the back-to-back housing typology as a viable solution to contemporary urban issues. This model offers high-density, low-rise family housing that caters for various management and ownership structures. It is also praised for activating streets with continuous building frontages while providing compact, energy-efficient homes.
Over the past decade, numerous architects have successfully reimagined back-to-back housing, earning recognition for creating spacious two- or three-story family homes with quality outdoor areas. These designs have navigated planning regulations around daylight and privacy to deliver modern, functional living spaces.
Over the next few months, Hal’s research will examine both historical and contemporary examples of back-to-back housing to determine how this typology can be effectively adapted for the 21st century. His findings will be compiled into practical design guidelines tailored for professionals in the built environment.
Not sure what the Small Grant Scheme is?
Through the SGS the Academy encourages projects that explore diverse urban challenges, from social equity to environmental sustainability. By funding research, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, the SGS not only empowers young urbanists to investigate and articulate their perspectives but also amplifies their contributions to the broader discourse on urban development.
This initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of urban thinkers and practitioners who will shape the future of our cities, ensuring that the ideals of the Academy resonate beyond its immediate membership.
Are you interested in this scheme, if so, start thinking about projects you might want to explore for the next round. Further details about the scheme and previous recipients can be found here:
