I’m delighted to announce that The White Flats short film, which I co-produced with Rachel Stevenson of David Miller Architects has been shortlisted in the Best Use of Video category for this year’s Archiboo awards.

The film was made to celebrate the work of architect, Peter Tábori, who died in February 2023. It explores the qualities of Highgate New Town Phase 1 (known as the Whittington Estate), a housing estate built for the London Borough of Camden between 1972 and 1979, from the perspective of its residents. Having lived on the estate for many years and brought up our families there, we wanted to showcase this 45 year old estate as an exemplar of good housing design and joined forces with fellow resident and editor, Anna Price, to do so.

When we asked other residents if they would like to get involved, there was an overwhelming response, with people of all ages offering their time and their skills. The resulting film has been created entirely by residents, who have shot it, edited it, composed the music, provided photographs and reminiscences, and starred in it. There was no budget – all resources and skills were given voluntarily by the community. It was an estate-wide collaboration, communicating the lived experience of residents of all ages and is a powerful reminder of the impact of good housing and its ability to encourage community life and neighbourliness.

The Archiboo Awards champion the creative ways that architecture is communicated and you can find out more about the awards and see the other shortlisted entries here. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted and a big thank you to Archiboo for recognising our film. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 22 May.