Slums in the Sky

Social housing faces an unfair stigma, fueled by global examples of failure that have shaped public distrust. The traditional model of social housing, which concentrates disadvantage into ‘hot spots’ within the city, has evidently perpetuated the ghettoisation of these areas, accelerating social inequities and deepening stigma. Slums in the Sky proposes a fragmented approach, integrating social housing into societies most incongruent locations, like that of the exclusive Point Piper. This aims to dissolve the prevailing "us and them" narrative, breaking cycles of spatial ostracisation and fostering inclusivity by bridging divides between those within and outside these disadvantaged spaces.

An analysis of Point Piper’s ten most expensive homes highlighted these extravagant properties as compelling locations to site each architectural intervention.

Each intervention, inspired by brutalist and modernist social housing, functions not merely as a housing facility but as a vital, utilitarian element of Point Piper’s urban fabric.

Consider the implications of such bold urban and architectural interventions; firstly, on existing infrastructural networks such as roadways and public transport, which would experience an intense surge in activity.

Secondly, on fostering social interaction between new and existing members of Point Piper’s community. Could these bold housing insertions help bridge divides and ease potential tensions between the groups?

Finally, given Point Piper's prevailing luxurious architectural language, how might the suburb’s affluent residents respond to the presence of (typically) "run-down" housing facilities within their exclusive enclave?