Living in Common
Located in Moston, North Manchester, Living in Common explores how architecture can respond to loneliness, housing insecurity and social disconnection through affordable social-housing and shared neighbourhood infrastructure.
The proposal combines a Live Well Centre, communal living spaces and public realm to create a socially supportive environment set in everyday life. Rather than separating care, housing and community, the scheme brings them together through shared thresholds, collective spaces and informal interaction.
The social housing scheme balances independence with opportunities for connection. Shared kitchens, living spaces, workshops, gardens and circulation spaces reduce isolation while supporting low-cost living and long-term affordability.
Technically, the project achieves a Passivhaus-level masonry construction focused on low operational energy demand, thermal performance and durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for long-term social housing.
The project asks how architecture can move beyond isolated buildings to become part of a wider culture of care, support and collective living.
