Covering local ground - No3 Covered Slip

No. 3 Covered Slip, The Chatham Historic Dockyard 

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: Tiny Built Things, written by Rebecca Roke

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.