For my first brief on methods of investigation, I have chosen to focus on Penshurst, a council housing estate, due to both personal and conceptual interests.
On a personal level, I currently live in this council house, which has provided me with first-hand experience of its architecture, atmosphere, and the everyday realities of communal living.
Beyond that, I am drawn to the original ideology behind council housing — the belief that good design and thoughtful planning could provide dignity, comfort, and a sense of belonging for all, regardless of income.
However, the introduction of the “Right to Buy” policy in 1980 under Margaret Thatcher reshaped the UK’s housing landscape, prompting questions about what becomes of these homes once their ownership and purpose begin to shift.
Through this investigation, I aim to examine whether these founding ideals are reflected in Penshurst’s design, and how policy and the passage of time have transformed the lives and experiences of its residents today.
Initial photographic documentation of Penshurst, a council housing estate:
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