Overview

Architects Aware! are a London based think tank of built environment professionals that aim to find design and policy-based solutions to the UK homelessness crisis. AA! are interested in how a holistic design approach might offer more long term, lasting solutions for homeless accommodation in London.

AA! is comprised of 19 core members each of whom have established expertise working in the homeless sector.  The group believe that a cross disciplinary approach is required to address this important issue head on. The group’s research is underpinned by six core principles as follows:

1. Research different homeless groups to understand individual needs and identify client groups

2. Explore and develop design and policy based solutions to the UK homeless crisis

3. Create a set of “design guidelines” for providing homeless accommodation with associated support facilities

4. Establish strategic business models to define how homeless accommodation could co-exist with other planning uses

5. Collaborate with a wide group of industry leaders

6. To develop thought provoking research to influence and establish new ways of addressing the crisis