Transition by Design

The increasing levels of street homelessness in England are reflected in a recent government report. The statistics, published in Autumn 2017, state a 14% increase in homelessness across the country – with Oxford highlighted as one of the eight local authorities with increased numbers of rough sleepers. Empty and underused buildings continue to present a major issue in England’s cities and surrounding areas, therefore creative responses are needed to tackle issues of affordability and accessibility.

Founded in 2011, Transition by Design (T/D) is an Oxford based impact-driven architecture and design cooperative. T/D adopt alternative housing models and strategic design approaches to create beautiful and inclusive spaces which prioritise people and planet over profit.

After two years researching alternative housing models and co-production techniques, sankalpa provided T/D with finance in the form of a loan and a grant. The investment will support further research into two projects relating to alternative housing models and co-production techniques. The investment has supported the set up of a new co-working space – Makespace Oxford and a Homemaker Design School which will teach individuals experiencing homelessness how to design and build their own home. The design school is part of a wider programme to repurpose empty and underused spaces in response to Oxford’s homeless epidemic.

Looking to the future, T/D are continuing to build skills and confidence though the Homemaker Design School while also scaling up development of empty spaces in Oxford for those in the greatest housing need.