In the face of today's economic and ecologic crises, now, more than ever, is the time to consider alternative ways of living. For most of us, particularly those of us living in a bustling city such as London, this proposal is easier said than done, primary due to the our notion of home as our own private space and haven away from the stresses of the city.

London-based artist Godfried Donkor explores the significance of our relationship with contemporary housing by creating alternative shelters within Space gallery. His current exhibition, Story of a London Township involves getting back to basics by investigating the function and symbolism of the iconic mud hut, in particular, as well as structures built from corrugated steel and cardboard. The underlying correlation between the different types of structures is that they are comprised of natural and/or recycled material.

Donkor has built three large-scale shelters occupying both the indoor and outdoor areas of Space gallery. Perhaps the most profound contemplations arise from the ephemeral quality of the shelters and the nature of their construction, which was hand-made. For instance, the mud hut situated in the outdoor courtyard is comprised of re-used coffee sacks, sand, and clay. The cylindrical hut with its grass covered roof serves as both an architectural element and a symbol of communal living. There are two doorways on either side of the hut but no doors; privacy is not an option in the simple open-planned domain.

Covering the gallery walls visitors will find wall paintings that combine symbols from the artist’s native Ghanaian culture combined with imagery emulating London-inspired postcards, which served as studies for the artist’s alternative buildings.

Donkor's work reflects London's fusion of diverse cultures and architectural styles. Investigating alternative types of architectural spaces inevitably reveals social connections and interactions related to specific structures. Nevertheless, there is something eerie about viewing these shelters within the context of the gallery. A feeling of abandonment and loneliness emanates from the uninhabited residences, which is ironic since they are intended for communal living.

Story of a London Township contrasts simplified forms of architectural dwellings and communal living with modern architecture and a society made up of individuals who crave their own space amongst the crowd. It also initiates a dialogue centred on merging cultures and conjures up issues of consumption and its effect on humanity and the planet.