Too much like architects.
I can sympathise with theories driving both practices. The outcomes of the projects presented didn’t seem to ever push the boundaries far enough of what they purported to test; or pushed them in one direction only. Great ideas though to begin with-exciting practices but in an ideal situation they could be braver…
For instance, EAST’s café in Avery Hill Park. It didn’t look much more exciting than the scoffed at member of the public’s suggested design. The detailed program seemed to be nearly identical. Perhaps this could have been an aspect to then push-if someone is willing to spend so much time on the project for free to involve them rather than spending 3 hours thinking about the position of a downpipe for aesthetic reasons.
FAT are a bit bonkers. To describe houses as ‘Traditional Elements’ when describing the design of new residential is cool. To make these houses to be attractive and at cost is great. To make the room sizes standard, or closer to market and not LA standards and not translate any of the individuality and pride of the exterior of the building to that of the inside voids the whole idea.
Still thinking too much like architects.
Ah-ha i hear you Liam, East's cafe - much attention to aesthetic downpipery - no discussion of the inner workings of the space...
ReplyDeletewith regards to FAT - im still not sure about this stuff. I wish the guy would get over probing for a reaction to the theatrical facades and talk about how they design real three dimensional space - despite being lead by space standards that kitchen the chap was stood actually looked quite pleasant. It was not an off the peg response but subtle play of light and volume. Not so much thinking like an architect, more thinking of architects and how to provoke.
I agree Matt. I wonder how it would be to test the internal volumes, however, one house having a much bigger living room or kitchen and smaller bedrooms and another house exactly the opposite. Or a massive cupboard. How these would be allotted would be difficult, especially when the original tenant vacates. Standardisation is great, and effective over multiple dwellings, buildings and sites. The internal space should be the driver, not an external, one-trick-pony image.
ReplyDeletei couldn't work out how to put images up as comments so i've posted some on my blog... have a gander!
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