Gothenburg-based architecture firm White Arkitekter has been selected to develop an ambitious placemaking framework to support the regeneration of the Gascoigne Estate in Barking – one of the largest of its kind in London.

The estate is currently being transformed, replacing outdated 1960's and 70's accommodation with new high-quality affordable housing wholly owned by Barking and Dagenham. White has already gained planning permission for over 700 new homes across two phases of the estate’s regeneration, championing their landscape-led approach to designing high-quality, sustainable neighbourhoods.

The early phases of this redevelopment are on site or at detailed design stage. The framework will establish principles that provide a coherent identity for the neighbourhood, set out a network of routes and streets that improve pedestrian and cycle movement, and establish a design for open space and public realm.

White Arkitekter brings extensive experience from Scandinavia to the project, working with large- scale projects which require responsive area strategies and masterplans, and delivering distinctive architecture and public realm projects.

White will be working in collaboration with Civic Engineers, not-for-profit art and architecture practice Public Works, and graphic design studio Europa. Together, the team will take a comprehensive approach to Gascoigne, developing a strategy for creating a coherent place across both east and west areas which is better connected its surroundings.

As well as consulting local stakeholders, the team are planning an innovative public placemaking event that will provide a platform to discuss the potential for the public realm of Gascoigne.

The work will be coordinated with the ongoing design and consultation work that is being undertaken for Gascoigne East Phase 3 and Gascoigne West Phase 2. The final framework will hold SPD status and go through a formal consultation exercise.

Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First, said: "We’re delighted to appoint White as they have the skills to create a coherent plan for the redevelopment of the Gascoigne estate."

"By building a better Gascoigne, Barking and Dagenham is once again, as it did almost 100 years ago, leading the way in creating a new era of quality affordable homes."

White Arkitekter recently designed 65-metre undulated public sofa in Uppsala, Sweden. 

White Arkitekter was founded by Sidney White in Göteborg in 1951 with the aim to improve society through architecture. The firm is an interdisciplinary practice for architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and interior design. 

White Arkitekter has offices in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom. 

All images courtesy of White Arkitekter

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