Microeconomy and an Architectural Case Study

Summarative Report

Purpose.

The aim of this report is to act as a bridge between the micro economies essay findings, with the case study group work. Looking at the case study examined, it will act as a precedent in the continuing of the discussion of micro economies and also expanding on architecture specifically in urban decay and regeneration in context to the phenomenon of gentrification.

Structure.

As an introduction, a small explanation of how the case study visit occurred, methodology of work and outcomes as conclusions and findings were observed. The next step is to link the conclusions of the case study visit to the context of the micro economies essay’s outcomes. The final part of the essay is to expand on the findings, and draw final conclusions regarding micro economies phenomena and gentrification. Last but not least, comparisons to architecture would be made along the way, and how architecture is used in different ways in the economic context.

Brixton Village as a precedent.

We visited Brixton Village in London for the case study, and we explored if it has been exposed and affected by gentrification. And if so, how has the urban vernacular been affected by gentrification in context to it’s heritage. In the case of Brixton Village, gentrification is interpreted as the process by which upwardly mobile urbanites ‘discover’ an area, open new trend businesses and displace the people who have been living and working there for years.

The study was carried out two separate ways. First was the comparison of information, finding on demographics, employment, start up initiatives, plans, etc. Second way was with on site research, mapping, interviews, and characteristics of Brixton Village. A couple of interesting trends emerg...

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...around Pembridge Place and Dawson Place and streets radiating from the southern part of Ladbroke Grove, many of which lead onto substantial communal gardens. There are grand terraces, and large estates that now are very famous.

Since at least 2000, independent shops in Portobello such as Culture Shack have lost out to multinational standardised chains such as Starbucks. In 2009, Lipka's Arcade, a large indoor antiques market was replaced by the high street chain All Saints. Reflecting the increasing demise of one of the most culturally vibrant parts of central London, the 2011 Census showed that in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, in which Notting Hill is situated, the number of Black or Black British and White Irish residents, two of the traditionally largest ethnic minority groups in Notting Hill, declined by 46 and 28 percent respectively in ten years.