Synopsis

Intentions: 

The rebranding of the idea of 'elderly', 'old age' and 'retirement' to 'the knowledgable'. Many skills that were developed during the first and second world war have been lost. London became a city based on finances but as the banks failed and the recession hit the City; London is having to turn towards technology and the creative 

industries to push forward the economy. David Cameron has 

announced that East London will be the hub for creativity and the main focus point and drive for Technology, expanding the 

ideology to Stratford with the rejuvenation of Greenwich Peninsula and the development of the Olympic Site. There is a general 

opinion that Britain should become how it used to be, a country of construction and making, Made in Britain. Some of these skills of craftsmanship have been passed down generation to generation, but having that Britain can't compete with the low cost mass 

construction in the middle east, it is in high quality products where the economy of Britain can be rejuvenated. 

Retirement should not be seen as an option to stop working, but as a way to continue and create a new lease of life in ourselves. We do not retire to die. We retire to express ourselves freely and use all the skills that we have learnt in our lifetime to our own benefit. This can be in an entrepreneurial sense to create our own 

businesses or help to give something back to the community by teaching and educating the less fortunate. To become the 

knowledgable. As Socrates states love is the quest for knowledge, to become a Lover of wisdom, and by doing so one will give birth to intellectual children of greater immortality than any conceived through procreation.

The scheme offers the opportunity for the knowledgable to extend their life by keeping mentally sharp and becoming the new 

entrepreneurs. Working closely with the 'life extensionists' will allow for their theory to extend the human life, if wanted, to 120 years to be implemented through healthy living and keeping mentally sharp in their laboratory and fitness centre.The housing units on this floor work offer the knowledgable the opportunity to live and work in the hub of activity and creativity. Their health will be watched closely to make sure that they are getting the biggest benefit to push 

themselves.

The knowledge bank, lecture theatre, workshops and teaching 

classrooms will allow the knowledgable to offer their services to communities in the surrounding area, the high levels of eastern ethnicities and undereducated youth, as well as university students and wealthy inner city workers. Companies set up by the 

knowledgable will have access to the workshops as well as office/studio space or a retail unit where their creation can be sold. This will also be incorporated with the youth being given the opportunity to work with and learn.

The top of the units becomes a bar and restaurant for members only (with the ability to invite guests). This allows for social events, debates, parties, and networking sessions to be held in the space. The housing units running from this work with the idea as of that of a Gentlemen's club; if as a young man you came into 

London with no where to live; the club would be able to provide you with a bed space until you could afford to move out. In return for the accommodation, you help by offering your services, what ever that may be. The whole scheme is derived around the opportunity to share and gain knowledge, to grow and to encourage that there is life after retirement. 

Site: The buildings are part of the old Nicholls & Clarke 

warehouses, located on Fleur De Lis Street, which is just off Shoreditch High Street and Commercial Street. The two buildings on the site have 4 floors, including the basement. The Victorian 

Warehouse was occupied between 1875 and 2003 by Nicholls and Clarke Company, the glass, lead and colour merchants. The site, full of character, is situated in the Olympic borough of Tower Hamlets, on the edge of the creative and financial sectors. 

Key Issues: Ageing Population, Recession, High Unemployment, High  rates of Cancer and incurable diseases, High levels of immigrants unable to get out of the circle of working in family shops/

restaurants, High level of youth dropping out of education, Debates involving the extension of life/ anti-ageing techniques.

Research Methods: Governmental statistics, Council plans for 

development, Interviewing of locals & elderly, Newspaper/book/

internet research, school education statistics, family members, 

doctors.