Building In Progress

The practice of James Baker focuses on social, ecological, and economic sustainability, exploring how environmental design can be affordable and accessible. This project developed from research into resilient building typologies that transform urban waste into community infrastructure. It evolved into an incremental system for activating underused council-owned land with much-needed local amenities. Based on 10x10ft scaffolding frames, the modular design uses readily available waste materials and low-tech construction methods that enable on-site fabrication. Communities are trained to build, adapt, and expand the system themselves, creating locally responsive spaces while developing skills and employment opportunities. Piloted on a disused parking lot in Beswick, Manchester, in collaboration with the Muslim Social Justice Initiative, the project was shaped through a community-led design process. The proposal grows from a serviced core into a multifunctional prayer and community space, supported by workshops, staff housing, and off-grid infrastructure that minimise both set-up and operating costs.