The global pandemic has both increased our online distant connections whilst also making us all focus more on our immediate surroundings; we are drawn into questioning what a local, proximity city, might mean. The project draws on ideas of the ’15-minute’ city developed by Carlos Moreno, defined to create a ‘city of proximity’ in which you can either walk or cycle to fulfil six social functions of living, working, supplying, caring, learning, and enjoying within each individual city.

The project has two phases. In the first phase, students address their local area based on the concept of the ‘15-minute city’ and identify the special traits of that area, as well as what may be missing from a civic point of view. The second phase requires students to locate a small site and design a small building that address their reading of the area. The small building or piece of architecture will address the civic, imaginary, and a new speculative future.

Projects based alongside the Regent’s Canal are featured here.