{"id":765473,"date":"2024-11-27T09:07:33","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T09:07:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=765473"},"modified":"2024-11-27T09:07:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T09:07:33","slug":"aj-climate-champions-podcast-if_dos-sarah-castle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/aj-climate-champions-podcast-if_dos-sarah-castle","title":{"rendered":"AJ Climate Champions podcast: IF_DO\u2019s Sarah Castle"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018It\u2019s about giving people the power to change their environments and making them feel part of it,\u2019 Castle explains in this episode. It\u2019s an approach that is at the heart of IF_DO\u2019s work and is manifest in its work in Hastings, East Sussex, where it has transformed derelict buildings into affordable, community-centric spaces for social enterprise Hasting Commons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We discuss the refurbishment of the grand 1924 Observer Building, which had suffered more than three decades of neglect and a dozen owners when IF_DO took on the project. The first phase created a cultural venue with spaces for exhibitions, theatre and music as well as workspace, a caf\u00e9 and a gym. \u2018It\u2019s a space that can hold everything \u2013 from raves to weddings,\u2019 says Castle.<\/p>\n

IF_Do\u2019s approach prioritises \u2018essential improvements over cosmetic enhancements\u2019, she explains. Rather than allowing ourselves to get \u2018overexcited about tile colours\u2019, we have to focus on making the building \u2018robust, well insulated and easy to look after\u2019. The building\u2019s intricately detailed faience fa\u00e7ade has been upgraded through a careful balance of repair and renewal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Central to IF_DO\u2019s work is an understanding of procurement that is driven by available grant funding, which Castle terms \u2018pod\u2019 \u2013 phased organic development. Hastings Commons has secured more than 100 grants over the last decade. The Observer Building is owned as a community land trust, which provides a legal framework to ensure affordability and perpetuity. \u2018This creates protected spaces within a sphere of gentrification, where rents are controlled below market rates\u2019, Castle explains. \u2018It\u2019s about forever,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

To catch up on all episodes of AJ Climate Champions, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Find Climate Champions on your favourite podcast app: subscribe via Spotify<\/a>,\u00a0Apple Podcasts<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Deezer<\/a>\u00a0and Podbean<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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