A collection of photography and words based on the interests of an Architectural Assistant.
I aim to inspire and entertain with writings of all things creative.
Ik-Joong Kang's Floating Dreams Image taken from Totally Thames website
Ik- Joong Kang, one of South Korea's most famous and celebrated multimedia artists has come to London to grace the River Thames with his installation, Floating Dreams. It's a large-scale piece which has been centered in the river, alongside the Millennium Bridge.
The structure floats as a memorial to the millions affected in the Korean War (1950-53), it stands as a beacon of hope in the reunification of North and South Korea.
A floating Lantern on the Thames, Image taken from Londonist website
The structure is made up of 500 drawings and is illuminated so it glows and has a strong visual impact. The Artist returned home to collect drawings from the generation that left North Korea and moved to South Korea during the war. He asked them to revisit their memories and to draw their hometowns as they remember them. The images show a mixture of emotions of the once happy and now lost homes, they have been transferred onto Korean rice paper and mounted onto the structure.
Image taken from Telegraph website
The installation is free to view and is part of the Thames Festival celebrations which are taking place across September. For more information and to see what else is planned, visit http://totallythames.org/.
St Paul's Cathedral, Martin Firrell's projection.
Photograph taken from The Standard
Across the city, over the past week or so, we have seen the marking of the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. In order to commemorate this pivotal moment in our nation's history, we have seen a series of installations, performances and talks spread across our capital. These events have been designed to offer a modern perspective on a pivotal historic moment. I personally enjoy celebrating the colourful past of our vibrant, cosmopolitan city and of course a hint of creativity is always welcome!
Above is a short video showing the Fire Garden, performed and curated by Compagnie Carabosse, outside the Tate Modern on it's front lawn.
A short video (above) from TimeOut London showcasing the Dominoes sculpture which moved through and transformed 4 miles of the city. As a notion to the flames, the energy spreads quickly across the square mile, symbolically linking everyday paths with those of the great fire of London. 23,000 breeze blocks follow the route and lead to a flame-filled finale.
Our social media feeds have been filled with images of London's famous landmarks adorned with flames, playful interventions dancing across our city and the sheer delight and amazement of the general public.
London 1666 model burning on the evening of the 4th September. Photographs taken from Artichoke's Twitter page, +ArtichokeTrust
Over the last week or so we have seen or heard a great deal about London's Burning collaboration by American Artist, David Best with creative group Artichoke. The replica structure represents 17th century London. It was built by a large team of dedicated individuals including: a group of young Londoners, carpenters, laborers and a series of specialists. The craft, the physical structure and the choreography of the flames have all been determined by a number of different stages of design. The sculpture has purposely been created to slowly burn and create a spectacle, in contrast to the great fire of London.
The model of 17th century London ready to burn. This image shows only a small fragment of the built structure, we can see the level of detail and craftsmanship of each individual building.
Photograph taken from +ArtichokeTrust twitter page
It is exciting to see how people from different walks of life have come together to play a part in such a memorable event. This project stemmed from a moment in our nation's history but it has transformed into a legacy in securing opportunities for young people to learn new skills. Those involved have shared their life experiences with others and cemented a sense of community pride within the project.
Above is the live stream from Sunday night's London's Burning event. It shows a wonderful insight into all of the hard work that went into securing the project right from the beginning through to the end....watch out for the flames!
By no means do I claim to be an expert on mapping, drawing landscapes or making beautiful things, however I do know we are all able to interpret information in a creative way! I enjoy crafting drawings by marrying together a mixture of different media, be it freehand, technical or more controlled techniques.
A piece I created using fabric and ink, attempting to understand the textures of a landscape, monoprint on coloured paper
During my 5th year I was asked to create a series of drawings to represent a Vineyard of my choice. The series of drawings I have produced show plot size, direction of the vines and the expanse of the site/ buildings (left to right in cover image). I have used a mixture of my Photoshop and printmaking skills in this series.
The Vines have an architectural quality about them,
they cut across the land like built walls. Chapel Down Winery, Tenterden
I saw an article recently on the famous rotundas of Rome. Each image is abstract and beautiful, definitely worth sharing! Images are borrowed from archdaily.com.
The Industrial Age, Bankside Power Station designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, source unknown
After the demise of Bankside's power station in 1981, there was a period of great uncertainty for not only the architecture but it's surrounding community. The Tate Modern regenerated and re-purposed the otherwise derelict building and refreshed it's surrounding area both economically and culturally. The riverside is now consequently identifiable as a cultural hub as a direct result of engaging schemes such as this. I am greatly intrigued by the re-use and the re-purpose of industrial buildings not only for their aesthetic purposes but for the wider engaging conversation they create with their communities. The former Bankside Power Station was originally opened in 2000 as the Tate Modern, it houses the world's most popular collection of modern and contemporary art.
The Tate Modern in 2000, image from Tate.org.uk
The role of the gallery has changed over time and sixteen years later a lifeline has been created. The new Tate Modern opened to the public successfully last month. The project combines the Boiler House building with the new Switch House atop the unearthed Tanks. This extension has provided 60% more display space and it is the most important cultural building to be opened in the UK for the past 20 years.
Herzog and de Meuron's Ground Floor Plan of the new Tate Modern
The night view of Bankside - Photograph taken from BBC
Street presence, the new perforated brick building meets its industrial counterpart, own photograph
Herzog and de Meuron were part of the original project team alongside landscape Architects VOGT and designer Jasper Morrison; they have reunited to reinvent the Tate Modern for this significant phase. The famous Turbine Hall retains all of it's glory at the heart of the Tate Modern whilst surrounded by an array of different galleries, spaces for theatrical performance art and learning. The development of the urban realm surrounding the building completes the transformation of an industrial ruin to an esteemed public space. Below is the time lapse video showing the construction of the new phase.
I look forward to many more trips to the Tate Modern because each time I visit, I never fail to feel inspired or in awe of the art, design and architecture. There are always many more spaces to enjoy and works to ponder over. Thanks for reading.
The city is all around us, 360 degree views are offered on the viewing platform of the Switch House, own photograph
A space for contemplation and impressive views of the city of London, own photograph
The Hotel Particulier, also known as a grand urban residence, is an architectural typology associated almost entirely with Paris. The Hotel Particuliers began to develop from 1500 to 1800, creating the fundamental basis for the residential sector of Paris.
I came across this typology when studying for my first year of Diploma in 2013/14, although it never materialised into a great deal for my own research, I found the topic to be interesting and I knew I would come back to it one day in the near future. I have decided to develop a number of studies on the various spatial configurations of the Hotel Particuliers, the relationships between the grand interior/exterior and in general the wider conversation of the solid and the void in the city. Through model-making and drawing I hope to grasp a firm understanding of these spaces both independently and as part of the greater context. I have begun with developing a number of drawings (still a work in progress ofcourse!) which I hope to share on here as soon as possible.
The figure at the scale of the city - A folded out elevation and plan showing the vast expanse of ground covered by the Place des Vosges, (140m2)
Above is a drawing of the Place des Vosges, a public space which has been carved into a highly irregular medieval street pattern. The design is a formal clearing which creates a strong juxtaposition against it's surroundings. The scheme was inspired by the Italian Piazzas we all know and love, the idea was conceived by the King, Henry IV. He hoped to harnass a zone for silk-workers to settle and practice their craft, in a bid to encourage a positive effect on the economy. The idea of the Place des Vosges was for it to be a vibrant public space housed amongst commercial enterprise for the city.
Carving - Place des Vosges as a figure in it's historical setting of Le Marais
The No. 3 Covered Slip, built in 1838 was designed by the famous shipwright, Sir Robert Seppings. The wide-spanning timber structure was the largest of its kind in Europe when built. The covered slip is a beacon of technological advancement and its vast cantilevering roof is an extraordinary feat.
View of Chatham Historic Dockyard Slips, from Upnor, Kent
Neighbouring slips are made of cast iron, designed to float above the large spaces beneath. These large spaces were traditionally used for shipbuilding alongside the dry docks. The water-facing side was once open to the elements however the slips no longer in use are now closed off. The Grade I listed building, No. 3 Covered Slip has been re-purposed as a gallery for a number of vehicles and objects from both the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and the Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archive Collections.
A black and white relief image of the No. 3 Covered Slip
I recently visited the Medway Fine Printmakers in Rochester and saw this as an opportunity to explore my fascination with the structure of the No. 3 Covered Slip. The artist-run studio is packed with great facilities and many different styles of printmaking can be covered with the help of local artists who run the studio. I was pleased to be welcomed into a warm and homely environment, Xtina Lamb led the class (Screen Printing One session). Using the above black and white image I was able to develop a screen and thus my screen printed image.
A prepared and inked up screen, (before cleaning!!)
I had no idea of what the finished piece would look like, so I threw myself into the session and hoped for the best! I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. The process of printmaking is enriching and inspiring. I have always enjoyed the layering, the crafting of the screen or the plate, the inking and ofcourse all of the research beforehand. Taking something visual and crafting it into something beautiful with your very own hands is an exciting process.
No.3 Covered Slip, Screenprint on cartridge paper
I would like to thank the Medway Fine Printmakers and the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust in assisting me with this research project, watch this space!
Nanotecture is a collection of small scale structures from across the world. Rebecca Roke has explored a number of miniature projects which share similar qualities. The projects are all occupied at an intimate scale but are divided into Micro, Mini, Midi, Macro and Maxi scales.
I found enjoyment in these brave interventions, the use of carefully considered materials, playful responses to site and the freedom of experimentation enveloped by each scheme. There are small-scaled works of architecture, art and design to explore.
MICRO scale : pg 28-29
Some of the works transform to fulfill more than one purpose, they are responsive to external conditions such as location or seasonal change. The scale of these pieces allows them to be more flexible with their uses.
MINI scale : pg 86-87
The projects employ a number of different materials, these include re-purposed products, plastic, timber, common household objects and even corn cobs (see left above - Ecological Pavilion by St Andre- Lang Architectes)! The construction of these projects alike covers a whole spectrum of techniques, such as: modular, pre-cast, off-site elements coming together efficiently.
MIDI scale : pg 170-171
The scale of these works requires an informed and efficient approach to design, assemble and disassemble. The ability to use and transport fewer materials, to make the best use of them and to do so in a sustainable fashion.
MACRO scale : pg 232-233
These interventions add another dimension to the experience of busy urban spaces, rural clearings and festivals. These small structures increase the interactivity between idle space and the general public.
MAXI scale : pg 276-277
A fun, celebration of inspiring and creative structures, there truly is something for everyone to appreciate. As an almost Architect I have always enjoyed small-scale design and I aspire to learn from these and hopefully gather ideas for my own research, even if the result is a little den in my garden! Rebecca Roke's Nanotecture is available to buy from Phaidon at 14.95, thanks for reading.
Serpentine Sackler Gallery, 2013, Two distinct parts come together to form a synthesis of old and new Photograph by Luke Hayes
Dame Zaha Hadid's death on March 31st came as a shock to many of us, it's been only a couple of weeks and there has been a lot of unavoidable press on the topic. She was one of the famous Starchitects of our time, idolised by many and a celebrity in her own right. Since Hadid's passing we have all read various articles on her life, achievements and work. To be completely honest this has been the first time that I have truly wanted to explore her projects and to understand the depth of her contribution to our field, which is a shame in itself. I have enjoyed researching the "Queen of the curve" as Zaha later became known, I am sure I will continue to learn about her work after this mere introduction!
(Above is a short clip from the BBC, Hélène Binet on Zaha and photographing her projects)
I read Yasmin Shariff's tribute to the late Architect and I found a new appreciation of her fight as not only a woman but as a foreigner to a field which was primarily dominated by white males. Shariff describes the struggle, "very few people realise the misogynistic, racist and anti-architect environment she had to navigate in Britain. For Muslims, minorities and women, Zaha is a shining torch". Whilst Zaha completed her studies at the AA, approximately 6% of the profession was made up of women and now, almost 40 years later we can see an increase of around 18%. Our profession has come a long way and is continuing to do so.
The RIBA Royal Gold Medal 2016 Photograph by Sophie Mutevelian
Hadid was the first female to be awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2004, she also twice won the RIBA Stirling Prize, firstly for her MAXXI Museum in Rome and then also for the Evelyn Grace Academy in London. After all of the challenges she faced in her career she truly earned the title of the first woman to be awarded the RIBA Gold Medal Award in 2016, almost 100 years after the Suffragette Ruth Lowy had encouraged the AA to accept female students. Her life's work was a legacy and she was rewarded for it in the later years of her career.
Evelyn Grace Academy, London, 2010, photograph by Luke Hayes
Sir Peter Cook describes her contribution to the theory and practice of architecture as a "substantial body of work". She was awarded the prize because of the consistency in her work and the sheer scale of international projects she has undertaken across her career. Cook on Hadid, "If Paul Klee took a line for a walk, then Zaha took the surfaces that were driven by that line out for a virtual dance and then deftly folded them over and took them out for a journey into space". She established her practice in London, 1979 and almost 40 years later she has an accomplished and internationally recognised firm. Her interests lie in the connectors between architecture, landscape and geology. Zaha Hadid Architects is an innovative, technologically-driven and dynamic practice.
Painting by Zaha Hadid Architects, Vitra Fire Station, we can see how her influences translate into fluid architecture Image from zaha-hadid.com
Zaha admired the work of 20th century Avant-Garde Artists and Architects. She was interested in the investigation and redevelopment of Russian Suprematism and Constructivism, which is why her early built projects communicate similar utopian ideologies. Hadid undertook a journey to discover fluidity and complexity in built spaces, as a result each project is stylistically identifiable as hers.
Vitra Fire Station, Weil am Rhein, Germany, 1993 Photograph by Christian Richters
The Vitra Fire Station, Weil Am Rhein in Germany, first gained Zaha international recognition in 1993. The building is constructed of exposed, reinforced in-situ concrete with sharp edges. There is purposefully an exagguration of exposed edgings and lack of cladding to ensure the volume is understood as a simple prismatic piece. The idea behind the structure is for it to appear 'alert', ready to part and to explode at any required moment in time.
MAXXI Museum of 21st Century Art, Rome, 2009 Photograph by Iwan Baan
The Stirling Prize winning MAXXI Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome, 2009 is another noteworthy project. A contemporary building attempts to bind itself to a city of classical heritage as part of the wider scheme of addressing Rome's search for a modern and renewed identity. There is an active conversation between the building and it's surroundings, Hadid has offered views back into the city from a large window on the third floor.
London Aquatics Centre, London Olympic Park, 2012 Photograph by Luke Hayes
The London Aquatics Centre, 2012, a distinctive and elegantly-curved building was designed for the Olympic Games as part of an infinite legacy. It is a celebration of the fluid and geometric nature of water in motion and subsequently the surrounding riverside landscapes of the Olympic Park. The famous roof dances above the ground in a wave-like form, sheltering the pool below. The masterplan itself contains a greater narrative between the axis of the three pools in the Aquatics Centre and the Stratford City Bridge.
The Heydar Aliyev Centre Baku, 2013 Photograph by Iwan Baan
Photograph by Iwan Baan
The Heydar Aliyev Centre Baku, 2013, rises from its surrounding landscape as a series of folding curves. The glass-fibre-reinforced concrete panels appear to grow from the external plaza, allowing visitors to flow from outside to inside and around the cultural centre. Hadid describes the building as an "architectural landscape where concepts of seamless spatial flow are made real - creating a whole new kind of civiv space for the city". She was proud of the centre and claimed it was one of her most significant building projects of recent time.
Hadid's 1000 Museum, Miami, USA, Under Construction. A new phase for the practice, without Zaha, there are as many as 37 projects to be finished in her honour.
Dame Zaha Hadid, was a futuristic ambassador and a visionary of spatial design. Her practice I am sure will continue to demonstrate the values instilled upon them. They will go on to consistently design and to use advanced techniques and material/ construction processes. Her legacy will continue to live on and generations of almost architects will study her for their own structural, spatial, motivational and technological interests. I know I have merely touched upon a few of her career milestones, but I hope I have inspired you to read, visit or think about some of Zaha's achievements. Thank you for reading!
The giant Monopoly board
Photograph taken from Metro.co.uk
I went into London the other day and as I wandered through Trafalgar Square I was pleasantly surprised to see something else amidst the crowds of people. An oversized (15m x 15m) Monopoly board lay upon the ground, below the National Gallery. Aside from it being a portal into my childhood (and an epic selfie backdrop), I began to realise this was just a small part of something big, the London Games Festival, 2016. The board was set up to launch the games, which runs from April 1st until the 10th.
London is a city full of surprises, oozing with excitement and ground-breaking concepts. The games are a fine example of this, in that they are an interactive celebration of the art, culture and business behind video games. There are 15 official events across 10 locations in London, which are aimed at engaging the public with various modes of games and play. The entire initiative hopes to grow and promote gaming in London, supported by the Mayor of London.
There are a number of other non-ticketed interventions in Southbank, Tobacco Dock and Somerset House as well as talks, workshops and exhibitions (which you may need to book for!). Hurry though it will end on April 10th!
