Cathy's Art Diary

Display at the Building Centre outlining plans for a network of pedestrian routes across London proposed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The display was mainly information boards and videos but it was fascinating to see the plans. It wasn’t just about making certain roads pedestrian but whole districts which they called “corridors of activation”. There were maps of the proposed routes and case studies from around the world. The plans would address congestion, public health, safety and social capital. It looks a great idea so bring it on, however make sure it’s not as disruptive as putting in the cycle route was! Closed on 28 February 2018

Interesting exhibition at the Building Centre looking at wellbeing as a driver for the design of buildings. It used the stages of life as a narrative with information boards and building models to show examples of where this type of design has worked. Examples included a children’s hospital modelled on a tree house and a development in Hackney which built large houses for Bangladeshi families who live in large multi-generational   family groups. Interesting design ideas included a shade of pink, called Cool Down Pink, which has been found to decrease aggression in prisons, a living wall of plants and a sleep pod, which someone was brave enough to try out while I was there! Closed on 30 January 2018