On the Threshold: The changing face of housing

London, Victoria and Albert Museum, 2 November 2006 – 27 May 2007

Architecture Exhibition Gallery, V&A

From the legacies of iconic schemes to experimental contemporary designs and future ideas, this exhibition looked at and under the residential skin.

The external housing shell – its face to the world and the threshold spaces it creates – both individual and communal – such as front gardens, porches, roof-terraces and balconies - contributes to our picture and sense of what ‘home’ means to each one of us, and gives a shared sense of belonging.

This exhibition aimed to show, in a time of high demand for new housing, how good design of housing on the outside – which makes up 80% of the built environment – can foster a sense of community by helping create good neighbourhoods.

Architects whose work is represented include: AHMM, BKK-3, Brendeland Kristoffersen, FAT, Maccreanor Lavington, MVRDV, S333 and Wilkinson Eyre.

Curated by Rob Wilson, Curator, Programmes, RIBA Trust, with Justine Sambrook (RIBA Trust) and Abraham Thomas (V&A).