Hunters

Designed by Victorian architects Joseph & Smithem, the Bethnal Green Estate celebrates its one hundredth birthday this year. It was one of EuropeÂ’s first charitable social housing developments, offering an escape from LondonÂ’s East End slums and a decent home for its inhabitants. Bethnal Green has survived the rigours of time (including two World Wars) well, and remains a fundamental part of Affinity SuttonÂ’s affordable housing portfolio.

The competition is open to Part 2 architectural students who are enrolled on (or have recently completed) an RIBA validated course at a UK based School of Architecture. Students are challenged to generate design ideas which would make a positive contribution to the environment and Make Bethnal Green. What could be built on the same site today, taking into consideration the 21st Century sustainability agenda, modern building techniques and architectural approaches, together with the financial constraints of the affordable housing sector?

As well as providing an opportunity to showcase design ideas to the affordable housing audience, (up to) ten finalists will be invited to finesse their proposals during a week-long placement with one of Affinity SuttonÂ’s architect partners including Hunters.

For details of how to register for Make Bethnal Green and to view the full Competition Brief please visit http://www.makebethnalgreen.com Please note that registrations will close on 3 February 2010, and the deadline for the anonymous Stage 1 design submissions is 2.00pm on 10 February 2010.