Reigniting the community through a living and working centre for the Afan Valley

The fragmentation of communities in the Afan Valley began with the closure of the mines in the 1980’s as people were no longer bound together by the rhythm of working life. The once vibrant communities of the valley are now stretched thin by their lack of public resources and increased pressure to commute out of the valley. The result, a community that is disconnected from its history and its landscape and a community spirit that has faded under the pressure of life within the valley.

This proposal looks to challenge the narrative that the communities in the Afan Valley can only survive by feeding off of larger towns and cities, as this both reinforces a ‘culture of commuting’ and ignores the true value of the valley. Instead the project introduces a valley wide scheme to reconnect and repair the communities relationship with its landscape and its history.

A collection of beacons throughout the valley creates a network of small destinations that draw people out into the landscape. The design and location of each beacon responds to moments in the local history, with additional beacons introduced overtime. A central beacon located at the hub in Pontrhydyfen acts as the epicentre to this valley wide strategy. The hub also houses a collective workspace, visitors/community centre and live/work housing creating a practical framework for living and working in this remote location.

This scheme is rooted in local people, local histories and the local environment to truly celebrate the value of the Afan Valley.