Assael's Urban Family Housing Concept: A New Approach to Urban Living for Families
Exploring a Housing Model Designed for the Modern Urban Family
Exposes: Emily Newton's Dispatches
Associate Director Emily Newton of Assael Architecture discusses the practice's novel approach to urban housing, termed the Urban Family Housing concept. This innovative design tackles the challenges faced by families living in urban environments, drawing inspiration from the architect's personal experiences as a working mother.
Background and Inception of the Urban Family Housing Concept
Throughout her career specializing in residential design, Emily Newton has worked on a variety of housing projects, primarily focusing on community-oriented models tailored to professionals. Her role as a mother of two children gave her a unique perspective on the hurdles urban families encounter in their daily lives.
The Urban Family Housing concept was born from her professional expertise in residential architecture and her personal experiences as a city-dwelling parent. While Assael focuses on a range of community-based housing solutions, this new typology aims to address the distinctive needs of families in urban areas.
Emily envisions a housing development that fosters a built-in support network similar to the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), offering a strong community for both parents and children. The Urban Family Housing concept targets issues such as work-life balance, limited space, and the lack of secure play areas for children.
Key Elements and Benefits
The Urban Family Housing concept addresses four core issues:
- The pressure of modern parenting, including long commutes and minimal family support.
- Homes not designed for family life, characterized by limited storage and outdoor space.
- A lack of safe play areas, as many urban parks are distant and children spend excessive time indoors.
- The need for better integration, with family-friendly amenities such as childcare, play areas, and shared family spaces.
Implementation and Main Advantages
The Urban Family Housing concept envisages a community-focused housing model strategically located near transportation hubs. Nurseries or creches are integrated into the fabric of these developments, making daily childcare logistics more manageable for parents. Children would have convenient access to well-overlooked gardens or rooftop playgrounds, creating high-quality, well-supervised spaces to play.
Flexible homes designed to grow with families would also be a cornerstone of this concept. Late-opening gyms could offer parents more time in their day, while fostering a sense of community among parents who could work together to share resources and support each other.
Potential Obstacles and Progress
Though families have been somewhat neglected in the rental housing typology, there is a growing recognition of the need for family-friendly urban housing. Assael has already incorporated elements of this model in projects like the family-focused build-to-rent scheme at Greenwich Creekside, which includes larger balconies, more storage, and wider corridors.
Achieving broader adoption of the Urban Family Housing concept requires cooperation from developers and policymakers, as well as financial models that support the integration of childcare and shared family amenities.
Future Developments and the Role of Emily Newton
Currently, Assael is actively researching and developing the Urban Family Housing concept, particularly in the build-to-rent single-family housing sector. The team is working closely with consultants and clients to explore the feasibility of this concept, inspired by projects like Casa Dumont in Getafe, Spain.
Family-Centered Design and Leadership Approach
Emily Newton's roles as both a working mother and an associate director have heavily influenced her design and leadership approach. She believes in empathetic leadership that nurtures talent and empowers team members to thrive.
In her team at Assael, Emily strives to create opportunities for team members to take ownership of their work and develop their skills. She advocates for a more inclusive and supportive environment for female architects, particularly those juggling careers and family responsibilities.
Progress and Challenges for Female Architects
Progress has been made in the architectural industry regarding career advancement for female architects with families, though much work remains to be done. High expectations in the workplace and difficulties in balancing work and family life persist.
Normalization of part-time and flexible working remains an essential step forward. The architecture industry thrives on diversity, and a lack of such diversity impacts not only careers but also the design of spaces meant for the people who use them.
Real progress will come when firms actively promote inclusive cultures that challenge outdated norms and ensure women have equal access to leadership roles, resulting in better architecture and stronger teams.
- Emily Newton, as a working mother and associate director, has inspired the Urban Family Housing concept, a new approach to urban living for families, recognizing the specific needs of families in the modern work environment.
- The Urban Family Housing concept focuses on work-life balance, aiming to offer lifestyle advantages such as integrating childcare facilities, shared family spaces, and well-supervised play areas within the housing development itself, enhancing health and wellness for women and children.
- The concept encompasses home and garden design, creating spaces flexible enough to accommodate a family's growth, catering to the challenges of limited space in urban areas and ensuring a sense of culture and community for the residents.
- In the pursuit of this ambitious project, Emily Newton understands the importance of a supportive work culture in the workplace, promoting empathetic leadership, gender equality, and opportunities for skill development among her team at Assael Architecture.
- The advancement of women in the architecture industry, particularly those juggling careers and family responsibilities, is a crucial factor in shaping diverse and inclusive teams that foster better designs tailored to the needs of all users, including women's health and well-being.
- The Urban Family Housing concept's future developments involve collaboration with consultants and clients to explore its feasibility and application in the build-to-rent single-family housing sector, striving to create a more family-centered and sustainable urban environment through technology and science-driven design solutions.
