Architecture project. London, 2023.
After analyzing the phenomenon of abandoned bicycles within my neighbourhood, I decided to set up a free bike repair station (see project "Barnie") to see why Londoners lose touch with their iron steeds. The main feedback I got was that a lot of people’s bikes suffer from very minor afflictions, such as low tyre pressure or a rusted chain, which stops them from riding their bike. A small problem, when left unaddressed, causes larger systems to fail, such as the drivetrain. Suddenly, the bike is immobilized, and abandoned. The same can be said of London's housing estates, which so often slide into disrepair after small issues go unadressed. I decided to investigate whether I could influence a culture of repair within London, and at the same time create new social condensers.
Specifically, I asked residents of the Hallfield Estate if installing a repair/DIY station on the estate would help residents cut down on waste and create new social space. In response, they said "actually, we need childcare." My compromise turned into a proposal for "Childcare and Repair," alongside small interventions throughout the estate. If we weave repair into the social fabric of our communities, repair can extend from the care of our bicycles to the care of our communities.