This thesis focuses on the relationship between the human scale and the edge, be it geographic, political, man-made or natural. The landmark and edgeland projects both interpret the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover differently, through sitting within the chalk itself and utilising space above it.
The social housing scheme sits atop the famous White Cliffs of Dover, directly abutting the remaining defensive walls serving Dover Castle. The existing site is overgrown with vegetation, and no longer serves the castle. With such a prominent position in England’s history, the castle’s importance has been highlighted with the addition of the housing scheme. The sea elevation of the scheme extends the existing Eastern wall, to create a new frontage out to the English Channel. The wall extends in colour through the use of flint for most of the scheme, with key moments in chalk, as an ode back to the cliff’s materiality used on the community centre as it sits above the homes in its corner position, and within each patio. The scheme was inspired by the great social housing schemes in London Post-World War II, such as the Alexandra & Ainsworth estate. Dover’s growth into neighbouring villages allows for London’s use as precedent, as the town becomes more than it’s port to France. The patio-style homes range from 1 to 4 bedroom, each featuring one key view out to the sea, with most other rooms facing into the private patio’s facing out to the communal green area. The homes are arranged across 3 levels, dividing the existing terrain into new level access platforms, staggering the housing development following the decline of the cliff. The Mote housing development introduces a much-needed source of mixed housing, with both a small store and community centre embedded into the design, whilst extending the ruins of Dover’s castle walls.
