Homes Sweet Home is a long-term intervention at Lucy Brown House, a sheltered housing unit for the elderly in Southwark. 

 

It consists of an in-depth consultation phase and a design proposal and strategy that explore the experience of homes for the elderly and their influence on wellbeing: the paradox of homes as home.

 

In spite of our rapidly ageing society, little attention is paid to the quality of housing for the elderly. In order to facilitate change, there needs to be a greater understanding of the current situation in terms of its challenges and opportunities.

Homes Sweet Home highlights insights acquired during an in-depth consultation, research and exploration phase, which has put people at the heart of

the investigation. 

 

The resulting design proposal and strategy focus on communication, community engagement and independence: the core challenges

within Lucy Brown House.

 

After an engagement phase in which stories, 

events and workshops encouraged resident involvement, Stage Two saw the implementation of a communication platform that caters to the different needs of the key audiences. 

 

The third and fourth phases focus on the implementation of an events programme and residents’ clubs and committees, creating long-term impact on social and power structures within Lucy Brown.