D5 Architects LLP - Projects
23/02/201004 Contextual Research
Value: -
Area: -
Contract: -
Role: Architects RIBA Work Stage A > B
Client: D5 Architects
Sector: Research Project
Birmingham's city centre is defined by the physical boundaries of the inner and middle city ring roads. The lack of cohesion and connectivity between the city centre and the surrounding areas is manifested by physical means, but also socially and culturally. Birmingham is set to become the UK's second 'plural city' after Leicester by 2024, in which the cities ethnic population will become the majority population. There has been a major demographic shift in the backgrounds from where people have emigrated from, but there is little reflection of these cultures in the built environment within the city. There are manifestations of some cultures with restaurants and religious buildings in the suburbs, but the lack of representation in the city centre needs to be addressed. The current condition of the city shows a lack of connectivity between the city centre and its suburban neighbourhoods with sprawling 'in-between-areas' (Zwischenstadt). The lack of connectivity caused by social, physical and economic factors has encouraged the manifestation of social islands. Birmingham is the third most deprived core city in the UK with 41% of Birmingham’s residents living in areas that are amongst the 10% most deprived in the country (Birmingham City Council, 2007).