The Almshouse Association holds its first Research Conference
In January 2024, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, hosted the inaugural Almshouse Association Research Conference at Mercers Hall in London, inviting 25 prominent researchers, funders, architects and almshouse managers from across the UK and Europe.
The event opened with a review of the significant studies undertaken in the field so far, with attendees presenting their research focus and findings. Discussions followed exploring forthcoming priorities and building awareness of the almshouse movement.
In the last decade, interest in the almshouse model has surged, prompting researchers to delve into a better understanding of the almshouse model while gauging the positive impact almshouses have on their residents.
Whilst other related research has probed social housing, private elderly rented housing, living in historic buildings and co-housing, incorporating elements of the almshouse model, the primary focus of this conference was the assessment of the almshouse model itself, extending the focus to identify pivotal factors contributing to the impact of almshouses on residents and the community, encompassing architecture, community scale, governance and societal changes.
“It was a really insightful day and fantastic to meet other academics and share findings…”
The garnered insights will serve to prioritise areas for future research, potentially steering the almshouse model and similar models towards enhanced community housing solutions.
Special tours took place on the second day of the conference. Firstly, Hopton’s Almshouses, one of the most iconic almshouse dwellings belonging to Association members, United St Saviours Charity, then onto Appleby Blue, its polar opposite and the Southwark charity’s most recent innovative almshouse development. These tours aimed to underscore the striking parallels between the old and the new, firmly rooted in the timeless architectural design principles of almshouses—emphasising community, neighbourliness and compassion, all of which are integral aspects of their heritage which spans a millennium.
Post-tour, the group exchanged experiences from each almshouse and contemplated how these insights could positively shape the future of almshouse development.
“As interest grows in the past research and developing recognition of the success of the model it is more important than ever that we understand the human and built environment aspects that make the greatest difference. It was a pleasure to see interest from the UK and Dutch leading universities.”
Nick Phillips, CEO, The Almshouse Association
posted 29 January 2024