Paola Denton

Through my studies of art and architectural history in Stockholm, I came to understand the importance of the built environment in shaping societies. This led me to pursue a career in architecture. Coming from a diverse background in Sweden, Scotland and Germany, I bring a variety of cultural attitudes to what good placemaking can be. I recognise that good outcomes can stem from a variety of solutions, which I am eager to examine through my work and research.

At Proctor and Matthews Architects, I worked on a range of masterplans in both urban and rural settings. I grew interested in adaptive reuse, infill sites and urban regeneration as sustainable solutions to contemporary urbanisation. A formative project for me was a design for a community centre at the base of an existing refurbished tower, forming phase 1 of an estate regeneration in East London. This project reimagined the ground plane of a modernist block: activating and extending the urban realm at ground floor with community uses.

I have led a variety of community workshops which give residents involvement in forming their future homes and spaces. Putting the community and their needs first will always be a driver to how I approach architecture. I continue to research the benefits of co-design and community engagement as a tool to achieving lasting social value in new and existing neighbourhoods.

I joined SEW in May 2023. Working as part of this studio, for me, is an incredible opportunity to continue creating places that centre around social inclusion, sustainability and healthy living.

Since joining the studio, I have been involved in the framework for Mayfield in Manchester, looking at the logistics behind a new car park / transport hub, linked to the new development of 1500 new homes anchored around a park with offices, retail and leisure in the mix.