inviting strangers
Open Doors
Model Houses for Families
My first Open House event builidng was the Parnell House on Streatham St. I preferred to see people's homes (the desire to probe into one's intimate space), and the sites have to be close to where I live (not too keen on long journeys). The building was finished in 1850 and designed by noble Henry Roberts to provide decent housing for the working class. I was greeted by a lady with crooked teeth, then led into the courtyard where a talk was taking place. Later we were allowed in one of the apartments: small and strange deco. One wall was filled with little picture frames, and the living room had a closet of dolls and animals. The doll standing next to the couch was quite freaky, I wouldn't want to be left in the flat alone at night. The special parts of the interior was the curved ceiling and a hole where you can sweep in all the dust, so they will automatically land in a communal bin (invented by Roberts). I didn't stay too long and hope to see something more modern on the second day.