Public Housing Works

Over the past two decades, the status of public housing in the UK has dramatically improved. Responding to a severe affordable home shortage and escalating house prices, local authorities are taking back control and prioritising quality and great design to deliver some of the best new homes and neighbourhoods in the country. Featuring 39 case studies which explore housing through distinct urban scales, together with detailed analysis, contextual essays, interviews and over 350 illustrations, Public Housing Works charts the return of council housing delivery.

Presenting the key public projects, both built and in development, of Karakusevic Carson, Public Housing Works captures a moment in housing history. It tells the story of an incredible period of change and weaves together the major shifts in design, place making and policy that have reshaped public-led architecture. Analysing 16 core projects of varying sizes and scope, the book discusses their design and construction through a variety of scales; from neighbourhood and urban block to street, communal space and individual buildings and homes. Each section of the book includes dedicated essays on specific design themes. A historical timeline of public housing milestones and guest interviews offer further commentary and insight.

Not only does Public Housing Works reveal the people and process of the studio, focusing on its close working relationship with residents, as well as its culture of housing design, innovation and learning, but it also speculates where public housing design may head in the next decade.