Passing the fences of urban construction sites, the mystery builds up. Often enclosed for safety measures, building sites remain inaccessible for those outside the triangular hierarchy- architects, investors and construction companies. With more significant investments, the mystery of what lies behind the fence is mimicked by colourful renders with cheerful people placed around newly built or refurbished spaces. Although some try to peek through the gaps between the fence spans, others jump up or bend over the cover, while most pass by impassively. A construction site is defined as “an area of land where something is being built”.1 It can be described by several other characteristics, such as the involvement of different professionals like architects, engineers, construction managers, and labourers. It can, therefore, be said that the construction site is a place of human interaction, a temporarily demarcated space within which relationships are formed. In particular, these are relationships between industry professionals. And what if de-professionalised, one were to look at the construction sites simply as places of human interactions? If, with the guidance of professionals, the community was involved in the building processes? In this way, the construction site was to be seen as a place for creating and enhancing neighbourhood interactions and social responsibility. Self-build projects can serve as platforms for raising awareness, a sense of belonging, and building and forming social bonds. This perspective allows for a deeper understanding of the social dynamics and collaborative processes inherent in construction projects. A great example of such an attempt occurred in the 1980s in London. Walter’s Way and Segal Close are two settlements based on a self-build housing scheme. The concept for this initiative was born out of the architectural reflections and personal developments of Berlin-born architect Walter Segal. From the beginning of his career, Segal has been concerned with questions about ‘empowerment, collaboration, and democratic design’. With these thoughts in mind, he delved into architecture until he sparked the self-build revolution. The actual translation of his ideas into physical matter occurred in 1963. During the construction of his own house, Segal erected a temporary structure for his family to live in. All the methods used in that project eventually became the main principles of Walter’s Way and Segal Close. The house was based on a modular system, with easily accessible building components, and took just two weeks to build. In the 1970s, London was grappling with a housing crisis, and the city’s council embraced Segal’s Method openly and enthusiastically. The concept of the main structure was simplified so that people without experience could build their own houses.

picture 1: Walter Segal meets self-builders on site at Segal Close, Honor Oak Park, Lewisham, London

Deconstruction of the triangular hierarchy In the project's second phase, residents’ involvement had already begun in the design stage. With a standardised outline and a fixed core, interior layouts could be adapted to personal needs. “(Inhabitants) were encouraged to conjure their interior layouts. In this case, architects supported and assisted the client, who was equally involved in both- project design and building construction,”2 says architect Hugh Strange. Construction began in 1979, with entire families involved in the process while maintaining their daily jobs. Without being experts in building, people shared experiences and helped each other. Their knowledge came from the exchange of knowledge rather than understanding architectural plans. H. Strange recalls, “Self-builders, to a large extent, learned how to build from each other on the site rather than from the drawings given by the architects.”3. On top of that, the community was given the opportunity to attend a series of workshops, preparing them for this specific project.

picture 2, 3: Getting closer now.

With an open approach to a construction site, the area mainly occupied by specialists, inhabitants had the chance not only to structure their own space on paper but also got the opportunity to bring it to life. This was all made possible by Segal's earlier concepts and developments, whose strict simplification of the building process opened up the construction site to community interactions. “The most impressive thing about Walter Segal was (…) that he moved his practice to a position which blurs the distinction between architect, builder and client. They aren’t at the three corners of a triangular relationship, but are all mixed up in the middle of the adventure of building” Colin Ward, AJ 4 Reconstruction of non-hierarchical environment The exchange of experience between inhabitants intertwined with the practical need for assistance and help. While working on their own houses, people always found a helping hand from future neighbours. Being a relatively small community and sharing the same struggles and challenges, a mutual understanding and sense of responsibility emerged. “There was a lot of peer-group support… We’d be working on our individual homes, but when it was time to raise the main frame of the house, the whole group would stop what they were doing and come and help.”5, say Dave Dayes and his partner Barabara Hicks, members of the community.

picture 4: Erecting the structure.

This initiative not only built physical matter and social bonds but also helped individuals gain a sense of agency and confidence. From deciding on the spatial layout to learning new skills and being able to use them during the construction to the act of building their own houses - everyone could find fulfilment and a sense of belonging. “It gives you that supreme confidence to do anything.”6 said one of the community members while reflecting on the building process. Independence and freedom, the principles that Walter Segal espoused in his architectural practice, resonate fully through the tangible and intangible social outcomes of Walter’s Way and Segal Close. And it is not only that… In addition to the social benefits of Walter’s Method, this project pioneered sustainability and localism. Materials needed for completing the house were affordable and available from local sources, such as sawmills. The construction system was modular; measurements were based on standards of available beam or board sizes. To keep the modularity, in case of changes in dimensions, Segal provided a certain margin of error in the system, thus allowing the system's practicality to continue, regardless of market changes. “Segal’s pioneering projects in the 1970s and 80s, which were clearly several decades ahead of their time with regards to sustainability and open-source design.”7, says Pamela Buxton in her review. The case of Walter Segal’s determination and consistency materialised, providing an example of translating architectural values into a vibrant community. By applying his concepts, Segal opened the inaccessible space of the construction site to people, thus allowing support, collaboration and democracy to take place. Viewed from this perspective, dedication and willingness in the building process can become something more than labour and the materialisation of a project. By building together, we allow interactions and relations to emerge, creating bonds that encourage a sense of co-responsibility, agency and community. |

References:

1. Oxford Dictionary: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/construction-site
2. Hugh Strange: Walter Segal and the Rigorous Simplification of Building Process, lecture at Architecture Foundation: https://youtu.be/jfAJSPj0cX4?si=vrTzsP8-BmVCaV-J
3. Hugh Strange: Walter Segal and the Rigorous Simplification of Building Process, lecture at Architecture Foundation: https://youtu.be/jfAJSPj0cX4?si=vrTzsP8-BmVCaV-J
4. Colin Ward, AJ, 1985
5. the commentary originally published in Guardian, https://www.themodernhouse.com/journal/architect-walter-segal-self-build/
6. Walter’s Way, Lewisham, video by at Architecture Foundation, ​​https://youtu.be/0JbqJNAUOR8?si=1AnLBfzMj3gieE3w
7. https://www.ribaj.com/culture/the-segal-show

Sources:

1. https://www.themodernhouse.com/journal/architect-walter-segal-self-build/
2. https://www.ribaj.com/culture/the-segal-show
3. https://charlieluxtondesign.com/walter-segal-exhibition/
4. https://www.themodernhouse.com/directory-of-architects-and-designers/walter-segal/

Pictures:

1. Photographer: Sayer Phil, 1988, https://www.ribapix.com/walter-segal-meets-self-builders-on-site-at-segal-close-honor-oak-park-lewisham-london_riba34555
2. Getting closer now. Credit: Martin Charles, courtesy Jon Broome, https://www.ribaj.com/culture/the-segal-show
3. Getting closer now. Credit: Martin Charles, courtesy Jon Broome, https://www.ribaj.com/culture/the-segal-show
4. Erecting the structure. Credit: Image Courtesy Jon Broome, https://www.ribaj.com/culture/the-segal-show