In our final issue of 2025 we’re focusing on homelessness as an important part of our housing drive. The causes of homelessness are many and varied, and architects and good design cannot solve them alone. But architects can contribute to positive change: they can bring a strategic and practical approach – and support targeted, proven steps.
Three building studies explore the topic from different angles. Reed Watts Architects has created a life-changing sanctuary for rough sleepers tucked away in London’s Square Mile. In a Revisit feature, the AJ accompanies architects from Peter Barber and Holland Harvey as they assess homeless support spaces they designed. Also profiled is shedkm’s transformation of a worn-out concrete 1960s complex into 73 homes for families at risk in Croydon.
Our news feature, Beyond Container Logic, investigates the role architects are playing in providing well-designed temporary housing for those most in need. An accompanying essay by RCKa’s Russell Curtis explores how homes can be delivered both at speed and at scale, and what factors are needed to bring this about.
Also in News is a must-read feature on salaries which lays bare by just how much we are all under-paid, and you can find out whether you’ve been paying enough attention this year with our Buildings quiz – 24 points and bragging rights are up for grabs.
Meanwhile in the Culture section, we curate your winter reading with a round-up of the latest architecture books, and there is a review of an exhibition at the Sir John Soane’s Museum exploring Egypt’s influence on British design.
This month’s opinion columns are by Kunle Barker, who asks whether London is dying, and Aga Szedzianis argues we should look to the Netherlands when designing the next generation of New towns.
Other contributors to the issue include David Grandorge, Hellman and Amy Leung, who shares her sketches.
NB: Orders placed after 17 December 2025 will be delivered after Christmas.
AJ’s Christmas charity appeal in aid of Shelter
84,000 families in England will be in temporary accommodation this Christmas. While people commonly associate homelessness with those sleeping rough on the street, this is only part of the problem. The predominant form of homelessness in Britain is people living in temporary accommodation, and the primary cause is an inability to afford housing.
The AJ has focused on the housing crisis throughout 2025, teaming up with campaign group Architects’ Action for Affordable Housing to showcase 20 of the UK’s best affordable housing schemes through our influential publication Good Homes for All – and taking it to Parliament.
Now the AJ has launched a Christmas fundraising appeal in aid of Shelter. Help us reach our £15,000 fundraising target by donating today.
Thank you on behalf of everyone at the AJ.
