Grayson Perry Designs Affordable Artist Housing in London's Barking District

British artist Grayson Perry, in collaboration with London architecture studio Apparata, has designed a low-cost residential complex for artists in Barking, East London. Named 'A House for Artists', the five-story red brick building will contain 12 apartments with shared studios, communal dining spaces, and meeting areas. The project is part of the Barking Artist Enterprise Zone, aiming to provide long-term housing for local artists struggling with rising property prices. Artists will be selected via an open call and evaluated by a committee including Create London, Dagenham Council, and the Greater London Authority. The ground floor features interconnected studios and outdoor spaces, while upper floors house apartments. Completion is scheduled for 2018. Perry, known for his Turner Prize win in 2003 and his exploration of gender identity through his female alter-ego Claire, sees this as an extension of his interest in social dynamics and cultural evolution. The initiative is led by Create London, an organization fostering artist-community relationships in East London.