#ProtectTheEgg Architecture Lab

Research on social housing typologies for #ProtectTheEgg We visited the Byker Estate, Newcastle, UK, built between 1969 and 1983, designed by the late architect Ralph Erskine assisted by Vernon Gracie.

Silvie Fisch, Director of Northern Cultural Projects, a community history and cultural organisation, and Associate Researcher at Newcastle University's Oral History Collective, gave us a detailed tour explaining how all the community management and social support works. She lives there. #FreeTimYoung / 03.04.25

Dear Tim, Brother, Solitary Architect,

Look! Erskine’s motif for the project was a balloon! Signs? - SK, 03.04.25

The Byker housing development (constructed, 1969-1983) in Newcastle upon Tyne is known internationally for its colourful housing and for pioneering practices in community participation. While council estates in Britain face widespread demolition, Byker enjoys a relatively safe position thanks to a Grade II* listing.  

Its style represented a major break with the Brutalist high architectural orthodoxy of the time and its innovative design principles have inspired numerous socially inclusive and community-focused housing projects globally. These projects often incorporate elements of community engagement, sustainability, and a strong emphasis on improving the living conditions and well-being of their residents.

Before the scheme could be completed, the Conservative government’s withdrawal of support for council housing, the loss of industries and the push for property ownership all led to the stigmatisation of council estates. They were now regarded as rough, dangerous places and the people who lived there were the failures of society, the undeserving poor.  

Byker residents still experience high levels of disadvantage. The Indices of Multiple Deprivation rank Byker in the UK’s lowest 3% of neighbourhoods for income, employment, health and education. 47.5% of children in Byker are living in relative poverty. 

The estate is now owned and managed by Karbon Homes who offer a wide range of support services to their tenants, from benefit advice to help with finding employment.

-Silvie Fisch

photos by Simone Rudolphi