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Project Type: Theoretical Research, The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
- Arcadian Domesticity of Squatters -
In 2012, a group of eco-activists called the “Runnymede Diggers” built a communal village on the outskirts of London, pursuing their vision of sustainable off-grid lifestyle in the nature. These eco-activists aimed to provoke reform on land ownership and regain the humble right to build homes freely on disused land. These rebels were eventually evicted from their handcrafted village in 2015. This order by the court was substantially criticised by the public for its lack of welfare considerations and social acceptance.
The matter is examined in three main aspects, legislatively, spatially and socially. By interrogating the case of Runnymede Eco-village which exemplifies the squatting culture in London, the aim of this paper is to learn from the legacies of these activists, and propose measurements to provide room for an alternative lifestyle. This also critiques current social segregation due to the interventions of rapid urban development. The oblivion of constituent responsibilities and obligations in social acceptance resulted in the lack of tolerance for a diverse community. Through understanding cultural and political conflicts against the status quo of urbanisation, the following investigation guides to an equilibrium of Arcadia for all.