This work is the conclusion of a year spent investigating methods of architectural design and collaboration. Starting with her grandmother's archive of spatial memories, Olivia's thesis was critical of the role of ethical reflection in design. She applied Edward Hall's proxemic theory as a method for accessible design, using this to propose a collaborative urban block regeneration scheme.

Sited in Forest Gate, 'Playing at Home' is designed for the displaced Newham mothers at the centre of Focus E15’s social housing campaign. The project imagines the rehousing of this community and a new home for their continued activism. Taking the form of an urban block regeneration scheme, the project consists of five kindergarten classrooms, fifteen homes, five retail spaces, communal facilities and a new ‘Sylvia’s Corner’ – the charity space for the group.

The design process began with the origins of block play in kindergarten and Froebelian principles of learning. In the same way children are shaped by their toys, the tools architects use explicitly affect their design. Thus, models were used as dolls houses for engagement in this project. This project has offered the opportunity to work with the mothers and children from E15 and beyond, and to embrace the influence of the non-architect.