1st Edition
The Deck Access Housing Design Guide A Return to Streets in the Sky
Biography
Andrew Beharrell is a former director and senior partner of Pollard Thomas Edwards. Andrew Beharrell has designed and delivered many award-winning projects throughout his 40-year architectural career. He now lends his expertise to PTE’s research and development group Knowledge Hub, maintaining and improving design standards across the practice. He has co-authored and edited a series of influential reports on topical housing and planning issues, including Superdensity, Altered Estates and Distinctively Local. He is a regular speaker at housing industry events.
Rory Olcayto is writer and critic at Pollard Thomas Edwards. A former editor of The Architects’ Journal and chief executive of Open City, the organisation behind Open House London, Rory has worked in architectural practice, as a videogames designer, and a journalist, in Glasgow, Liège, Istanbul and London. He has written and edited books on Mimar Sinan (The First Starchitect), Richard Rogers (British Museum World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre) and Charles Rennie Mackintosh (The Hill House: Not Forever). Rory studied architecture (BSc and MSc) at the University of Strathclyde.
‘This is a timely book which is both stimulating and informative, and tackles the social and technical challenges of deck access in a pragmatic way. Ultimately, this book shows that deck access can not only work, but also be life-enhancing, as long as thoughtful designers and clients are involved.’
Claire Bennie, director, municipal and former development director, Peabody
‘The virtues of deck access housing are still a matter for debate, but recent examples gathered in this book show how valuable it can be. With photos, plans and explanatory texts setting out a wide range of case studies, fronted by a historical introduction and backed up with clear analytical guidance on variations of the typology and costing, The Deck Access Housing Design Guide argues convincingly for this solution. Professionals, students and anyone with an interest in contemporary housing will have their eyes opened.’
Alan Powers, design history leader, London School of Architecture
'Every so often a book appears that just hits all the targets. This is one of them. You might think it a dry subject – deck access housing! – but you would be wrong. A perfect starting place for any architect considering this building type.
Olcayto's history of the type is an exemplary piece of writing and research. A book that ranges from excellent history to current design principles, with plenty of well-illustrated examples in between. Wonderful.'
Tony McIntryre, Building Design
