publications
Common Cause, for Open City
02.06.2020
Alison Brooks is a Trustee of Open City, a charity dedicated to the idea that architecture and urban design must make our built environment more accessible and inclusive to everyone. In this article, she discusses the post-covid 19 period with optimism.
Alison Brooks is a Trustee of Open City, a charity dedicated to the idea that architecture and urban design must make our built environment more accessible and inclusive to everyone. In this article, she discusses the post-covid 19 period with optimism.
The reset button being pushed by the pandemic is a chance for human culture to change for the better. ‘Times of crisis can bring out the best in people. Inevitably, they make us see the world through a new lens. This coronavirus pandemic is perhaps the first time humanity is seeing the world through a common lens. Suddenly we’re all on the same side, acutely conscious of our interdependence.’
Open City ‘Common Cause’ by Alison Brooks
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Southwark Council and LHC ‘Fairer Futures’ Framework
26.05.2020
We have been selected to Southwark Council, and LHC’s groundbreaking new architectural services framework for London. Over the course of the next four years, the Framework will administer architectural design contracts for a range of exciting public projects in the capital.
We have been selected to Southwark Council, and LHC’s groundbreaking new architectural services framework for London. Over the course of the next four years, the Framework will administer architectural design contracts for a range of exciting public projects in the capital.
Alison Brooks have been selected in the categories of New Homes, and Education, Social Care and Community Projects. We are very excited by the potential for the Framework to delivery real design excellence in the procurement of public architectural contracts across London.
Leo Pollak, Southwark Council cabinet member for social regeneration, great estates and new homes, previously said the framework would engage a ‘new generation of designers’ in a bid to break with the ‘private gain over public good’ design culture of the past.
LHC regional manager Jennifer Castle said: ‘Through collaborative working, we designed the procurement process to attract the best architectural practices able to deliver innovative construction services to the public sector in London.’
Architects Journal ‘Southwark Framework’
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Building Design: Alison Brooks gets OK for biggest project yet
17.12.2019
Architect’s 38-storey Vancouver regeneration scheme clears key planning hurdles. The residential-led mixed-use development in Vancouver includes a 38-storey tower as well as mansion-block and point-block elements.
Architect’s 38-storey Vancouver regeneration scheme clears key planning hurdles. The residential-led mixed-use development in Vancouver includes a 38-storey tower as well as mansion-block and point-block elements.
The practice’s The Passages scheme, earmarked for the Canadian city’s Surrey district, will deliver 90,000 sqm of new space – including 1,126 homes, 2,700 sqm of amenity space, and 1,683 sqm of retail and commercial space.
Brooks said Surrey city centre had a desire to create a high-density, transport-oriented and walkable downtown core to address “critical housing need”, and that the character of tall buildings and how they merged to form a beautiful skyline with “humane and diverse streetscapes” had been a key design driver.
“The proposal for The Passages on Whalley Boulevard is for an open city block, with free-flowing public space at its heart, lined by a mix of uses which aim to serve its residents and the wider city of Surrey,” the practice said.
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In Conversation with Alison Brooks, Parlour Magazine
21.11.2019
Parlour Magazine have published an in-depth interview with Alison Brooks, in which she discusses a range of topics including her early career, the value of professional recognition, urban housing project work, the challenge of balancing work and motherhood, and the future of the profession.
Parlour Magazine have published an in-depth interview with Alison Brooks, in which she discusses a range of topics including her early career, the value of professional recognition, urban housing project work, the challenge of balancing work and motherhood, and the future of the profession.
“I started studying architecture at the University of Waterloo in Canada in 1981 and graduated in 1988. It was a long education, because the Waterloo program involved working every other semester after the first year, so that stretches out the program by about two years. It means that you’re very skilled up and switched on by the time you graduate….”
In Conversation With Alison Brooks
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Architects’ Journal: Alison Brooks Lands York Castle Museum Redevelopment Job
February 19, 2019
Architects’ Journal have announced Alison Brooks Architects appointment as Lead Architect and Masteplanner of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of York Castle Museum
Architects’ Journal have announced Alison Brooks Architects appointment as Lead Architect and Masteplanner of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of York Castle Museum
‘York Museum Trust has appointed the London-based practice, working with Richard Griffiths, Purcell and Todd Longstaff-Gowan Landscape Design to draw up concept work and a masterplan for the ‘reimagined museum’.
The practice was chosen from a shortlist which included Stanton Williams; Purcell Architecture; Simpson and Brown; and Wilkinson Eyre.’
“For us, Alison Brooks Architects were the ideal choice despite never working on a museum project before. We felt that they had brought together a great team and, more than anyone else, they understood the site and our approach to the project.” Reyahn King, Chief Executive, York Museums Trust
To read the full article, click here.
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Building Design: Alison Brooks lands York Castle Museum redevelopment
February 19, 2019
Building Design has published the announcement of our appointment as Lead Architect & Masterplanner for the York Castle Museum redevelopment.
Building Design has published the announcement of our appointment as Lead Architect & Masterplanner for the York Castle Museum redevelopment.
“The practice will work with Richard Griffiths Architects, Purcell Architecture and Todd Longstaff-Gowan Landscape Design, Real Studios, BDP, Appleyard and Trew, and BuroHappold Engineering on the project, described by the museum as multimillion pound.
York Castle Museum had shortlisted five practices for interview to lead the project: Alison Brooks, Purcell Architecture, Simpson & Brown, Stanton Williams and Wilkinson Eyre.”
To read the full article, click here.
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Architizer: 19 Women Architects to Watch in 2019
February 19, 2019
Alison Brooks has been named in Architizer’s ’19 Women Architects to Watch in 2019′.
Alison Brooks has been named in Architizer’s ’19 Women Architects to Watch in 2019′.
“Alison Brooks’ The Smile – a 2017 A+Award Jury Winner in the Pavilions category — is one of those projects that seems to be everywhere, its image proliferating in both print and social media years after its construction. Conceived as a “habitable arc poised on the horizon,” the engineered wood structure was created as a pavilion for the 2016 London Design Festival. The building quickly garnered international attention, and has been viewed online — by one estimate — over 290 million times, a testament to the fact that great design still has the power to make an impact.!” Julia Gamolina, Architizer
To read more, click here.
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University of Melbourne School of Design: Interview with Alison Brooks
December 12, 2018
During her visit to the Melbourne School of Design in October, Alison Brooks was interviewed by Professor Donald Bates.
During her visit to the Melbourne School of Design in October, Alison Brooks was interviewed by Professor Donald Bates.
In her interview, Alison discusses her career beginnings, practice philosophy, and award-winning works including Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle, The Smile and VXO House.
To read the full interview, click here.
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Planning Permission Granted for Tottenham Hale Regeneration Scheme
December 12, 2018
The London Borough of Haringey have granted planning permission for a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in Tottenham Hale, London.
The London Borough of Haringey have granted planning permission for a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in Tottenham Hale, London.
Alison Brooks Architects’ 183 unit mixed-use scheme Ashley Road East is one of six residential buildings by Argent Related on the Tottenham Hale masterplan site which features more than 1,000 homes along with retail, co-working and office space as well as a new health centre.
Located on the North Eastern section of the masterplan Ashley Road East will comprise of two podium mounted residential blocks formed around a central courtyard with ground floor retail, office and leisure spaces, and will play a key role in defining the new identity and quality of Argent Related’s redevelopment of Tottenham Hale.
The transformational redevelopment also includes schemes from AHMM, Pollard Thomas Edwards and RUFF Architects.
To read the full press release from Argent related, click here.
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Evening Standard: Homes & Property
November 28, 2018
Alison Brooks was interviewed by the Evening Standard on her life in Queens Park, her Victorian semi-detached house, her decor and her favourite furniture.
Design Council: Leading Women in Design
November 20, 2018
Alison Brooks is featured in Design Council’s ‘Leading Women in Design’ series. The series celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which for the first time, granted some women the right to vote in the UK.
Alison Brooks is featured in Design Council’s ‘Leading Women in Design’ series. The series celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which for the first time, granted some women the right to vote in the UK.
To mark this anniversary Design Council feature a series of ‘Leading Women’ who have each made invaluable contributions to shape the world that we live in today over a course of twelve months.
In her interview Alison explains why the UK should take a leaf out of Canada’s book when it comes to secondary school education, and why complex problems should always be tackled with simple solutions.
“Alison Brooks is a woman on a mission. Flying to and from Boston to lecture at Harvard, creating an experiential installation for this year’s Venice architecture Biennale, being named as one of London’s most influential people in 2018 by the Evening Standard – there is a non-stop energy in the air. ”
To read the full article, click here.
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Arch Daily: 30 Most Influential Architects in London ReCasting The Smile East Parkside
October 25, 2018
Alison Brooks has been named by Arch Daily’s as one of the 30 most influential architects in London.
Alison Brooks has been named by Arch Daily’s as one of the 30 most influential architects in London.
“The founder of Alison Brooks Architects has been praised for her installation at the Venice Architecture Biennale, while also overseeing major works such as The Smile, and the first high-rise for the Greenwich Peninsula in London.”
To read the full article, click here.
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New London Quarterly
10.2018
Alison Brooks Architect’s scheme Ashley Road East features in this Autumn’s NLA Quarterly.
Alison Brooks Architect’s scheme Ashley Road East features in this Autumn’s NLA Quarterly.
“The application [to redevelop central Tottenham Hale] encompasses five pieces of land, with six buildings delivering 1,036 new homes,15 retail spaces, co-working and office space, a health centre and open space, created by practices AHMM, Alison Brooks Architects, Pollard Thomas Edwards and Grant Associates.”
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The Plan: Housing / Not Housing: Re-thinking the Architecture of the City
10.2018
The Plan magazine have published Alison Brooks’ editorial critique ‘Housing / Not Housing: Re-thinking the Architecture of the City’ in this month’s issue.
The Plan magazine have published Alison Brooks’ editorial critique ‘Housing / Not Housing: Re-thinking the Architecture of the City’ in this month’s issue.
In her editorial critique, Alison discusses the housing crisis and the role of architecture in responding to the ever increasing population influx.
“We can see that the housing crisis lies at the intersection of land economics, planning policy, social policy and daily quality of life” Alison Brooks
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Trailblazing Women in Architecture Who Have Changed Life for the Better
28.09.2018
Alison Brooks features in Homedit’s article on 23 trailblazing women in architecture.
Alison Brooks features in Homedit’s article on 23 trailblazing women in architecture.
“Architecture has not been an easy profession for women, but from the very start, a talented and courageous cadre of female architects has pushed the boundaries and fought for recognition. Some worked in the shadow of a mentor or spouse, making groundbreaking achievements, only to receive no credit. Throughout the decades, these bold professionals laid the groundwork for today’s talent, allowing their work to be front and center. Moreover, many of these women waged a battle not to be recognized as women in architecture, but simply as talented and innovative architects. Period. Here’s a list of some trailblazers you should know about……… London-based Alison Brooks is best known for designing intelligent, stylish houses but also cultural buildings. Her belief that single-use buildings are obsolete has driven her goal of addressing problems such as the quality of housing and public space.”
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Evening Standard Homes & Property
12.09.2018
Ely Court featured in the Evening Standard Homes & Property article ‘Future London, Kilburn’.
Ely Court featured in the Evening Standard Homes & Property article ‘Future London, Kilburn’.
Brent council is holding a rolling sequence of competitions to choose designs for each phase of the [South Kilburn Estate] regeneration. Winners have so far included Alison Brooks Architects, which designed Ely Court, with 43 flats, for Catalyst Housing.
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Monocle Summer Weekly Issue 1
09.08.2018
Alison Brooks features in the 1st edition of the Monocle Summer Weekly Paper on the fears of Brexit for architecture and creative industries.
Alison Brooks features in the 1st edition of the Monocle Summer Weekly Paper on the fears of Brexit for architecture and creative industries.
“Losing the ability to win projects easily in Europe is a disquieting prospect for architects in particular. The ease with which UK practices can pitch for EU business is key to firms such as Alison Brooks Architects….Brooks fears that after Brexit she might lose access to the Official Journal of the European Union, the industry portal where any government project within the EU which has a building cost of more than 144,000 Euros must be put out to tender and listed.”
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Canadian Architect: The Anglo-Canoids
01.07.2018
Alison Brooks alongside Adam Caruso headlines Canadian Architect’s article on the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Alison Brooks alongside Adam Caruso headlines Canadian Architect’s article on the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale.
“Two of the most astonishing installations at the 2018 Venice Biennale are by Canadian architects whom most Canadian architects have never heard of. Born and educated in Canada, and with only the rare evidence of a round British vowel to give away spending almost their entire professional careers abroad, Alison Brooks and Adam Caruso are amongst the highest-regarded architects of their generation in the United Kingdom. They are both in their fifties, and now arriving at a scale and range of commissions that correspond with their talents. And these two are but the tip of the iceberg of Canadians of all ages working in British offices, and, increasingly, opening their own practices.
To read the full article, click here.
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Venice Biennale 2018: Freespace on a Tight Rein ReCasting
31.05.2018
Alison Brooks Architects ‘ReCasting’ features in the AJ’s review of the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale, described as “gently optimistic and touchy-feely and unusually coherent”.
Alison Brooks Architects ‘ReCasting’ features in the AJ’s review of the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale, described as “gently optimistic and touchy-feely and unusually coherent”.
Rob Wilson states “Particularly immersive is Alison Brooks’s contribution: an elemental series of ‘totem’ spaces which you actually walk or slide yourself bodily into: threshold, passage, roof-space. These riff off corners from her housing projects – with mirrored walls and ceilings which complete the spatial experience, visually leading off into infinity around you.”
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The Observer – Venice Architecture Biennale 2018 – A Joyous Treasure Trove ReCasting
27.05.2018
Our installation ‘ReCasting’ features in Rowan Moore’s Venice Architecture Biennale 2018 review in the Sunday Observer.
Our installation ‘ReCasting’ features in Rowan Moore’s Venice Architecture Biennale 2018 review in the Sunday Observer.
“Alison Brooks, Canadian-born and British-based, has built a composite of elements of several of her housing projects – a vaulted threshold, a canted roof space, a cloister – in plywood and mirrors, in order to show how an architect can “frame everyday life” with memorable spaces.” says Rowan Moore
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