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In a period where we have seen a number of exciting architectural
projects springing up in London, why is it that Stoke Newington, traditionally a hub of
creativity, seems to be falling behind? The idea that good design reflects positively on
the environment and ultimately on the community has yet to be incorporated into the 'cheap
and cheerful' mentality that lines our streets.
Having had our own Stoke Newington-based architectural practice for some time, we feel
that Londoners are steadily becoming more forward thinking in terms of design. For a long
time they appeared to have been stuck in an architectural time warp, struggling to see
further than the stock brick terraces with which we are all so familiar. While the charm
of period fireplaces, high ceilings and the Christmas cake of stick on mouldings are not
lost on us, we feel that it stifles progress.
Garish loud colours scream back at you when walking down Church Street, reflecting little
more than the need to express individuality, an important concept for Stokivites. This
concept carries on into the interiors of our establishments, where spaces are stuffed with
contract furniture, decorations of conflicting styles and the noise levels exceed a level
suitable for communication. The space becomes difficult to use, rendering it awkward.
Clearly the aim of any space should be functionality, as well as creating a relaxed and
calming atmosphere.
However, individuality does not equal good design. It reflects preferences, and aesthetics
clearly lies in the eye of the beholder. Good design will always incorporate individuality
- that is the client's brief - but its key element resides in establishing a relationship
between the different spaces, their function and their relationship to the user of the
space. It expands beyond the visual to incorporate issues that affect the way the user of
the space feels, such as noise level, lighting, materials and even smells.
In a city where many of us are finding that day-to-day life is becoming more stressful and
claustrophobic, it is vital that our buildings provide a calm and relaxed environment in
which to retreat. This is also true of our public spaces, both internal  and external. While a number of attempts have been made at this in Stoke
Newington, few have been successful. Our European neighbours have been far more diligent
about this over the years. A great deal of effort has been invested in cities like Berlin
and Rotterdam in regeneration and design. Time has been spent in really understanding how
a modern community works and greater pride has been taken in design innovation,
eliminating the obsession with the past. This has resulted in really exciting spaces that
are far more pleasurable to inhabit. Parts of London are now following this lead and areas
like the South Bank show real promise for the future.
Numerous creative people have congregated in Stoke Newington over the years, yet there is
little evidence of their talents being used by Stokivites. Our office has always tried to
focus on the needs of the persons using our spaces, whatever the building type. It is only
by investigation into the way modern spaces affect modern people that truly good aesthetic
and functional design can be achieved. Stoke Newington as a community must demand higher
standards if we are to progress into the 21st century. It is time to resurrect our
creative vibrancy and in doing so provide good design that reflects positively on our
community.
Contact Details: Andy Ramus, BA Hons, Dip/Arch, RIBA, Architect:
0774878490; Andi Küsgen, Interior Designer BA, MA: 07957 123 293.
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