Whilst the military shrinks, empty land grows and remains uninhabited and unprotected. Whilst capitalism rages on, the importance of redefining the phrase ‘living within our means’ grows exponentially. The Barnham Community is a trailblazing example of a mutually beneficial agreement between one of England’s oldest institutions and guardians of the future. The land is taken out of the hands of a collapsing establishment and given not to giants of the developed world, but to an organisation of free spirits, anarchists and justice seekers who seek to prove the environmental and economic benefits of intentional communities.
As the world progresses, we must adapt. A new collective, self-sufficient way to live is not that new at all, but a blast from the past from a feudal world. This offers a simpler way of life, still maintaining ties to the world outside of RAF Barnham. A thriving community, bringing togetherness and independence to the small parish of Brandon. Each member is a guardian of protected land, working as merchants of the council, with an intrinsic relationship with the natural world at the very core of their lives at RAF Barnham. The protection of the Nightjar, the Curlew and the Woodlark is central, their history and continued existence immortalised in the conservation efforts made by the community. For years we have known that brownfield land is the answer to the housing crisis, but designating space for people not only to live, but to work and further the possibilities of empty land, whilst honouring its history is the commons exchange that upholds this new family.
Architecture 
Denis Yau | Architecture
