DMA

We’re delighted that this short film produced by Rachel Stevenson of David Miller Architects and Jo McCafferty of Levitt Bernstein has won 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 their families there, Rachel and Jo wanted to showcase this 45 year old estate as an exemplar of good housing design and got together with fellow resident and editor, Anna Price, to do so.

When they asked other residents if they would like to get involved, there was an overwhelming response, with all sorts of people 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 and winning entries here – congratulations to everyone involved.

You can also watch The White Flats here.