Insight / 13-Sep-24

Community Architecture – Poynton Bradbury Architects functional yet impactful community architecture designs

Written by Emma Hosking
Threemilestone Community Centre

For more than 50 years Poynton Bradbury Architects has put community architecture at the forefront of our designs, crafting spaces that bring people together, enhance their wellbeing and reflect the unique character of a given community.

Community architecture focuses on creating spaces that foster social interaction, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging. It’s about designing spaces that serve the needs of the community. These spaces can include everything from schools and healthcare facilities to parks and community centres.

Functionality is a prerequisite – the buildings need to address the practical needs of the community – but the spaces also need to be impactful, contributing to the cultural and aesthetic identity of the area. Balancing functionality with impact is no mean feat, but we have proved time and time again that architecture can create practical and accessible environments, which are also inspiring and transformative.

So, what are the key components of community architecture, and how can community architects be been successful in creating functional, yet impactful designs?

Porthcressa waterfront, Isles of Scilly
Porthcressa, Isles of Scilly, 2012

1. People-centered design

Central to community architecture is people-centred design. It’s important that spaces function for the people who use them and that they add value to the community. This means the community’s needs must be considered throughout the design process.

Having accessible spaces is crucial to community architecture. This includes thoughtful placement of ramps, elevators, and clear signage, whilst also creating inspiring shared spaces that cater to diverse groups of people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Also, at the top of the list for community architecture is comfort. Spaces should be inviting, exciting and inspiring, as well as functional. This can be achieved through lighting and climate control.

We recently unveiled ambitious plans to transform two historic listed buildings in Camborne, Cornwall, into a vibrant community centre. The project, funded by the Town Deal and supported by Cornwall Council, aims to preserve, and revitalise the Basset Centre and the neighbouring White House, both integral parts of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

The newly named Basset Community Hub will house a modern, spacious library, a dedicated youth space, a community café, and a heritage exhibition experience. A contemporary glass atrium will connect the two buildings, creating a cohesive space while maintaining their distinct identities. Additionally, a new performance and events area will be constructed to accommodate various community activities.

Entrance to St Agnes Island Hall, Isles of Scilly
St Agnes Island Hall, Isles of Scilly, 2014

2. Flexibility and adaptability

Community needs evolve over time, so it’s important to design spaces that can be easily adapted for different uses. For instance, a room designed for meetings should be able to transform into a space for social events or workshops.

Zoning spaces or incorporating modular elements allows spaces to be reconfigured quickly and efficiently, accommodating various activities and events without requiring extensive renovations.

Anticipating future community needs and technological advancements can help ensure community architecture remains relevant and useful over time.

Our designs for Cornwall Council’s Chy Trevail office development in Bodmin had efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility at its core. The building accommodates more than 600 staff and includes a central atrium for the main reception and public facilities, as well as an open plan flexible workspace over three floors. This award-winning building has a highly energy efficient design and generates its own renewable energy.

The practice and builders stand in front of the construction of Lostwithiel community hall.
Lostwithiel Community Hall, 1969

3. Connection to nature

Connecting buildings to nature is about looking for opportunities to create a connection with nature through biophilic design, sustainability and, where possible, green spaces. Adding natural materials and elements into community architecture, as well as incorporating light and vegetation fosters a connection to nature, which can reduce stress and improve overall health.

Using sustainable building materials and energy-efficient systems helps to regulate the temperature of the building and ensures that the community architecture is environmentally responsible, reducing running costs and the building’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Green spaces like gardens and flower beds provide a tangible connection to nature and encourage people to enjoy the outside space surrounding the building. This was an important factor in our designs for a purpose-built 76-bed care home near St Austell to provide essential care home provision.

The accommodation is organised around a shared communal courtyard, which sits at the heart of the scheme, with views out towards the historic house and wooded landscape beyond. Access to secure outdoor space will help to improve the health and wellbeing of residents by promoting physical activity and improved mental health.

Outside photo of the front of Ponsanooth Hall in Cornwall.
Ponsanooth Hall, 2014

4. Cultural and historical sensitivity

Respecting the local culture, history, and architecture when designing new structures helps to create a sense of continuity and belonging within the community. This also includes preserving and repurposing historical buildings, which enrich the community’s identity and create a meaningful connection between the past and the present.

As community architects we incorporate distinctive architectural elements within our designs to create a strong visual identity for the community. This can make spaces and buildings a recognisable and memorable part of the local landscape.

An essential part of community architecture is involving local residents in the design process, helping to ensure the architecture reflects their needs, values, and aspirations. This in turn leads to a greater sense of ownership and pride.

Inside the main hall of Godolphin Cross Chapel in Cornwall.
Godolphin Cross Chapel, 2023

Our conservation team has more than 100 years of combined architectural heritage experience and they have worked on a large number of heritage projects over the years, including the King Edward Mine in Camborne, St John’s Hall, and the Jubilee Pool, both in Penzance, the Wheal Martyn Clay Works Museum in St Austell, and other regional landmarks.

When integrated thoughtfully, people-centred design, flexibility and adaptability, connection to nature, and culture and historic sensitivity, all create community architecture that not only meets the practical needs of its users, but also enriches their lives, fosters connections, and builds a lasting legacy for future generations.

We believe the success of our projects lies in our ability to balance functionality with impact. With each project we take on, our designers carefully consider the needs of the community, ensuring that the spaces we create are practical and meet the day-to-day requirements of users. At the same time, we use design to create beautiful, inspiring spaces that are deeply connected to the community.

Meet the Author

Senior Architect
Emma Hosking
BA (Hons)  BArch (Hons)  ARB  RIBA  CA Emma studied at the Canterbury School of... Read More

BA (Hons)  BArch (Hons)  ARB  RIBA  CA

Emma studied at the Canterbury School of Architecture before joining Poynton Bradbury Architects in July 2000 and completing her training with Plymouth University in 2003.  She has a wide range of experience leading on projects encompassing public buildings, schools, community buildings and historic properties with diverse and complex client groups ranging from local authorities to charity-based community groups and the private sector. 

With a keen interest and extensive experience in conservation architecture and historic buildings, Emma was formally recognised with entry onto the RIBA Conservation Register at the Conservation Architect level.

Email Emma

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