Ben Yeoh Chats Hana Loftus: Architecture, Regeneration, Planning, Resilience, Design, Jaywick Sands
Hana Loftus is a co-founder of HAT Projects. HAT are award winning architects, planners and enablers for the built environment. Projects include: London’s Science Museum Smith Centre, transformation of Trinity Works (a disused church), Ely Museum, Jerwood gallery and Jaywick Sands’ Sunspot. As well as practising planning and design, she writes on the subject and plays a great fiddle and violin.
The discussion is around the challenges and opportunities in architecture and urban planning. The topics range from finding systemic housing solutions for poverty-stricken communities in Alabama, exploring the importance of practical real-world experiences for architecture students,
"I think as a young architect, firstly learning how a building is actually put together; nailing bits of wood together, wiring a house, plumbing a house, pouring foundations, all of that practical stuff is critical... And anybody can do that. Anybody can get tools and learn how to build something."
and discussing the Sunspot project that addresses affordable business units in Jaywick Sands, a poor area of east England. Hana talks about the lifespan and adaptability of buildings. She highlights the critical aspect of maintaining quality in construction and the risks in cost-cutting, referencing the Grenfell tragedy.
We discuss the political challenges of the Green Belt policy, proposing a 'finger model' for development, and the importance of exploring rural domains. Hana emphasises acquiring practical experience and making a concrete impact in the world.
Transcript and summary bullet points below.
Building Houses and Rural Studio Experience
Understanding the Realities of Rural Alabama
The Impact of Building with Your Own Hands
Working with the Community: The Story of Miss Phillips
The Importance of the Front Porch in Southern Homes
Reflections on Building Experience
Transition from Alabama to East of England: Jaywick Sands
Understanding the History and Challenges of Jaywick Sands
The Regeneration Strategy for Jaywick Sands
The Complexities of Place-Based Regeneration
The Role of Consultation in Community Development
The Sunspot Project: A Case Study in Localised Economic Stimulation
Reflections on the Success of the Sunspot Project
The Balance Between Planning and Unplanning in Community Development. The role of beauty.
Nationwide Economic and Climate Perspective
Local Agency and Development Opposition, Challenges in the Planning System
Inequality and Climate Resilience
Design Codes and Pattern Books: A Debate
The Aesthetics of Development and Cultural Relevance
The Lifespan of Buildings:
The Future of Building Design and Sustainability
The Role of Transport in Sustainable Planning
The Impact of Construction Industry Structure
Rethinking Greenbelt Policy for Sustainable Development
Current and Future Projects: A Glimpse
Life Advice: Making a Mark in the World