Architecture of Rapid Change and Scarce Resources

Architecture of Rapid Change and Scarce Resources (ARCSR) is a teaching and research area linking architectural education, research and practice. In collaboration with charities, social enterprises and other civil society groups, ARCSR examines and extends knowledge of how the built environment is transformed, with an emphasis on pressing areas of policy demand where formal architectural and design processes tend to have little impact. These include the making of informal settlements, migration and relocation dynamics, humanitarian practice and social development. The focus is on situations where resources are scarce and where both culture and technology are in a state of rapid change.

The group, which has links with Architecture Sans Frontières -UK, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales and international NGOs, has engaged in projects in India, Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Nepal, Greece and Italy amongst others.

Live project in the settlement of Kachhpura in Agra, India

Website: www.arcsr.org

ARCSR Publications

ARCSR is represented at all levels of study within the School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University: at undergraduate level (Studio 07) and at postgraduate level (Unit 06). Studio and research booklets are produced by researchers and students sampling investigative work in the research areas studied that year.

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Banner Image: Map of Kaningo, Aimee Thompson, Eno-Obong Akpan, Agnieszka Pyrdol, Adam Cheltsov and Joe Davis (2018)
Main Image: Wedding Tent Structure in Agra (2011)