Menu
Search
EN / DE

Socially useful

We create places for people and strive to achieve social longevity.

Socially useful Socially useful Socially useful Socially useful Socially useful

Buildings are for people.

We create buildings that serve individuals and communities to make life easier, healthier and more enjoyable. We describe our work as ‘socially useful,’ meaning it is designed to be flexible to changing functions and prioritises the universal traits people want from architecture: space, light, tactile materials, fresh air and vibrant public spaces. The life of a building only really starts once we hand it over to its occupants, providing them the freedom to adapt and give life to it in their own unique ways.

Socially useful
Neighbours meet at a courtyard party in Trafalgar Place.
Socially useful
Public space at ArtHouse in Kings Cross.

Architecture should evolve with people’s needs and aspirations.

From a multi-coloured glass extension for an existing Victorian board school to a timber cancer caring centre that brings nature directly to the inside—we think about the people who will inhabit our buildings and what they specifically need to enhance their lives. Enduring design is a priority: this means architecture that lives beyond its initial brief and is robust enough to host varying uses over time, offering social longevity.

The call for designing with social longevity has never been stronger than now.
Philip Marsh
Philip Marsh
Director
 Architecture should evolve with people’s needs and aspirations.

Insight: Philip Marsh

Socially useful
Children playing at Trafalgar Place.

We consider community engagement to be part of the creative process, not a box-ticking exercise.

A strong community relationship was at the heart of one of dRMM’s most defining projects, the RIBA Stirling Prize-winning scheme, Hastings Pier. We spent years speaking with and listening to the people of Hastings, holding public, interactive events to find out what the town wanted from its pier. From these valuable conversations, we were able to see the importance of designing a pier that functioned as a sustainable, flexible platform as opposed to a grand architectural landmark. The pier became a symbol of adaptability, demonstrating our dedication to delivering architecture that is meaningful and useful to its community.

Socially useful
Consultations with residents of Hastings.
Socially useful
Socially useful

Aside from keeping the planet healthy, our design focuses on keeping people healthy.

Enhancing quality of life and well-being is integral to architecture and place-making. Design should give people a greater sense of control—it should encourage local participation, provide access to nature, enhance free, pedestrian movement and promote a rich local culture. To us, these values are the bricks and mortar of what we do.

Social usefulness is something that is embedded in our DNA.
Sadie Morgan
Sadie Morgan
Director
Aside from keeping the planet healthy, our design focuses on keeping people healthy.

Insight: Sadie Morgan

Socially useful

Related project

Trafalgar Place

Trafalgar Place comprises high-quality homes integrated in a vibrant landscape with mature trees. Garden plots and an open communal courtyard bring pleasure, security, openness and comfort, with the retention of mature London plane trees providing levels of delight rarely achieved in new housing.

Next Approach:
Architects of joy

Socially useful

Close

Socially useful

Sadie Morgan

Close
Close