Hidden
World
MASTER’S THESIS PROJECT
My thesis project explored the unit theme of ‘The Hidden Geometry of Nature’, taken from Jacques Herzog’s 1988 lecture in which he suggests turning to the invisible world as a generator for new architectural expression, unburdened by existing physical and cultural contexts. My particular interest revolved around the relationship between the natural and the artificial - two worlds that often combine with complex and unpredictable results. Throughout the design process I looked to capture some of the complexities I had observed, looking to meld ideas of structured rationality and ordering with more naturalistic forms of growth and randomness. These two approaches would often clash and contradict, but I decided to embrace the ambiguity and richness of the results.
The final proposal, a primary school in the Isle of Dogs, was conceived as a new ecosystem within an existing estate - Its plan appearing as a scattering of objects. Part of this ecosystem is a three storey timber superstructure, eighty metres in length, that works in two ways: enclosing a new protected area of garden to its south and connecting a series of spaces, some existing and some new. This block sits prominently within its context, with a scale not totally dominated by the surrounding towers of the estate and Canary Wharf beyond. Space is situated loosely within this structure, expanding outwards in places to engage existing structures or create new forms, and contracting in parts to expose the structure and form clear entrance spaces.
The final proposal, a primary school in the Isle of Dogs, was conceived as a new ecosystem within an existing estate - Its plan appearing as a scattering of objects. Part of this ecosystem is a three storey timber superstructure, eighty metres in length, that works in two ways: enclosing a new protected area of garden to its south and connecting a series of spaces, some existing and some new. This block sits prominently within its context, with a scale not totally dominated by the surrounding towers of the estate and Canary Wharf beyond. Space is situated loosely within this structure, expanding outwards in places to engage existing structures or create new forms, and contracting in parts to expose the structure and form clear entrance spaces.
Tutors: Peter St John & Amy Grounsell
