Mr Robert Amato Lastman
Contact
- Email: k2036424@kingston.ac.uk
- Location: Penrhyn Road
- Faculty: Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
- School: School of Engineering and the Environment
- Department: Department of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Research project: Park Homes: Community stigma, defining ‘home' and opportunities to alleviate the housing crisis
Abstract
In the UK there is a dearth of research and understanding of the role park homes play in the national housing stock. Research from other parts of the world indicates the complexity of the role and, apart from the stereotypical stigma of living in park homes, residents report having positive experiences.
Robert's PhD research examines what factors leads people to live in park homes, what defines residents' understanding of home, and how can park homes provide an alternative to traditional housing.
Early initial quantitative pilot studies have been carried out by Robert with responses from park home residents in the UK and the US, where such homes are more common.
- Research degree: PhD
- Title of project: Park Homes: Community stigma, defining ‘home' and opportunities to alleviate the housing crisis
- Research supervisor: Dr Peter Garside
- Other research supervisor: Dr Dogus Simsek
Biography
Robert Amato Lastman is a member of the Continuing Education team at the Research and Enterprise office of City, University of London.
Before commencing his PhD, Robert conducted independent housing-related research on the connection between communities and the meaning of home across different tenures in northwest London. He also led a survey on London councillors' tenures for a housing organisation in the UK.
As a PhD student, Robert has worked with AMPS (Architecture, Media and Politics) to organise and chair sessions for a virtual conference titled City and Complexity – Life, Design and Commerce in the Built Environment.
During the 2022 conference, he did a talk about park homes in the UK and the US and whether they could become a mainstream housing option in both countries?
At the Housing Studies Association conference in March 2023 he presented the initial findings from pilot surveys and observation of UK park home communities.
Robert has an MA in Sociology from the University of Central Missouri, and an MA in International Studies from the University of Leeds.
Areas of research interest
- Park Homes
- Housing
- Private Rental Sector
- Property Provision
Qualifications
- MA in International Studies, University of Leeds
- MA in Sociology, University of Central Missouri
- BA in Sociology (Minor Psychology and German), University of Central Missouri
Funding or awards received
- Turing Scheme