Creating new communities from cardboard boxes

Children from the Havelock estate in Southall were asked to create their ideal home from cardboard and scrap material. The exercise was part of a consultation programme organised by Catalyst Housing to speak to the Ealing community about the forthcoming regeneration of their estate. Photograph: PR

A cardboard city was was created as part of an artist workshop which gave children the chance to create their architectural fantasy. Photograph: PR

Families were invited to the Havelock community centre where, with the help of charity Arts Express, they used cardboard to build a collection of imaginative homes. These included windmills, rooftop swimming pools and from one environmentally aware young person, an entire roof of solar panels. Photograph: PR

Children drew their ideal cities. Across two days, which included the cardboard workshop and a football skills training session, the housing association connected with more than 100 residents. At both events exhibition space was set aside to allow parents to see the changes coming to Havelock, and there was time to quiz Catalyst staff and architects. Photograph: PR

The consultation process also included pop-up displays at busy locations, such as the school gates at pupils left for home, and workshops with architects. Photograph: PR

Tanya Ayshford, a Havelock resident, said: “Before these events I hadn’t been involved with Catalyst. I really feel like I have learned a lot about the phasing of the redevelopment and what the new homes will look like." Photograph: PR