The White Flats Film Project was born from a desire to communicate how the design of Highgate New Town, a 1970s housing estate built by the London Borough of Camden, has fostered a strong sense of community across generations. Originally envisioned as a four-minute film to celebrate the estate and its architect, Peter Tábori, who died in February 2023, the project grew into a much larger piece of research and creative production through the enthusiasm and participation of residents.

The end product is a 25-minute documentary that examines this 45-year-old estate through the lived experiences of its residents. In making the film, we realised what a rare opportunity it provides, giving real insight into what works long-term in housing design and addressing pressing questions: How does architecture support intergenerational connection? How can children and young people thrive within urban environments? What design principles promote strong social connections and independence?

The film serves as a campaigning tool for policymakers, housing commissioners, and architects, advocating for children and young people to be central to housing design. The project’s social impact is profound, elevating the voices of residents and creating a platform to influence housing policy by demonstrating how good design supports community cohesion and wellbeing. By engaging all generations, it promotes inclusion, intergenerational understanding and community belonging. Environmentally, it highlights the importance of urban planning and how local living, integrated green spaces, and accessible design reduce reliance on external infrastructure, promoting sustainability.

You can watch the film here: https://vimeo.com/917073596

Credits:

• Producers: Jo McCafferty (Levitt Bernstein), Rachel Stevenson (David Miller Architects)
• Camera: Anna Price, Marc Silver
• Music: Tara Crème
• Director and editor: Anna Price
• Young Voices Team: Ana, Ines, Tristan, Rowan, Cora, Ottolie, Johan, Olivia, Casey and Alexandra.
• Special thanks to: Tim Crocker, Jay Jones, Andrew Rae, Valeria Szegal, Mark Swenarton, Fabian Watkinson, Wood that Works.