Etymologically derived from the guidance document published by the UK government with the same title, the Community Development Framework aims to provide residents of East Tilbury, now comprised largely of an urban community, with the opportunity to reengage and reconnect, hence restoring the sense of community and collective identity, the loss of which is frequently spoken of by locals.
Reconnection can be achieved through public domesticity. By observing Chinese Relocation Estates – large-scaled modern developments built to house displaced rural population amid urbanisation – one will find that relocated farmers are continuing their rural lifestyle despite the multi-storey apartment blocks in which they are housed. Many domestic activities that typically take place indoors and/or in private settings are brought to public spaces outdoors. The close-knit nature of the community of former agricultural workers living in Relocation Estates, in contrast with the miserable experiences of commuters residing in the same neighbourhood, proves it is possible to access quality lives even in places with a monotonous built environment.
The proposal is essentially a kit composed of standardised timber components, which come in 3 cross-sectional dimensions. Most can be made using household hand or power tools, whereas some would require prefabrication off-site, such as CNC. By using interlocking joineries, the proposed system requires no nails or glue for assembly, eliminating damages that would otherwise render the components unrecyclable. The structure can be dismantled without damage to the components and reassembled elsewhere. Various devices are proposed to activate the courtyards via public domesticity.
