A community of people who make stuff
The Redundant Architects Recreation Association (R.A.R.A) was established over 15 years ago in the wake of the financial crisis amid huge redundancies in the architectural profession as a way for anyone, not just architects, to explore alternative ways of working.
RARA still very much embodies this idea providing workspace which fulfills the requirements of 9-5 desk based working found at any co-working space - Fast internet, good coffee, a comfortable desk - combined with extensive tools and facilities for analogue creativity both during and after those hours.
Tear down the whitewashed breeze block walls of the typical, atomising, studio cell and share the space, tools, materials, company, skills and ideas of everyone and you get something like RARA.
Our open plan studio upstairs is a large flexible workspace filled with natural light which accommodates over 20 individual desks alongside a number of hot-desks, two large communal worktables, a full kitchen and sofa area, some making facilities including sewing machines, 3-d printer, electronics area, vinyl cutter, printer and scanner and a wide range of communal stationary, card, paper and modelling materials.
This space also plays host to many of our events.
Very much the heart of RARA and the thing that really sets us apart. Primarily equipped to accommodate woodworking, the workshop is incredibly flexible with roller shutter access and workbenches that can easily be removed. It has played host to everything from large scale set builds and fine furniture making, to film nights and butchery... It it is currently utilised by a diverse range of makers from professional joiners making one-off pieces and prototypes for manufacture, to semi professionals like architects making models and hobbyists making things for home.
From the design of the space and the communality it fosters friendships and organic collaborations grow! Our kitchen table - a converted architects drawing board - is at the heart of RARA. Where members gather to eat, meet and conspire. This leads to much sharing of knowledge and skills and many self organised workshops and skill shares. Soap making, beer brewing, sewing and mending, design crits and slip casting amongst many other things have been held by members for members.
We also run lots of events. Sometimes just for the membership but often also open to all. Winter film nights and summer BBQ’s our staple. With a focus in recent years on spreading understanding and also fundraising for Palestine.