A Microraion represented a social advance where private life was fused with abundant public space and amenities. These often included health centres, cinemas, schools, theatres, libraries and clubs. Currently, many of these districts are undergoing challenging development processes as the decay of the old structures is neglected and ultimately replaced by new infrastructures, residential and commercial buildings stemming from the ever expanding elitist densification. The same may be seen on the People’s College site where proposals seek to squeeze maximum density for maximum profit. The rapid change fails to acknowledge the impacts on the communities who have lived here for generations, limiting social cohesion and reducing the possibility of sustainable urban development. Indeed, local municipalities tend to overlook the significance of these urban processes. Reimagining the microraion as a Cohousing scheme in Nottingham presents the opportunity to develop a tried and tested platform of ideas for a self contained community. In a modern setting the scheme seeks to offer a new perspective on city living with generous space and amenities connecting to the wider context.
