Archinect - Features

Studio Visits: Tate Harmer

2019-01-31T11:46:00-05:00

Tate Harmer's office is nestled away in a quiet courtyard in Dalston, East London. If you were visiting the very charming nearby Brunswick East cafe, an office favorite, you would never guess that just across the way a team of curious architects were designing some truly inspiring projects. For example, their hotel for the Eden Project in Cornwall will have a timber frame and when completed, will be the most sustainable and accessible hotel in the UK.

The team recently celebrated their ten-year anniversary with a party at Brunel Museum, their ongoing project located in Brunel's Thames Tunnel Engine House that is an embodiment of both their skill for unlocking the potential of overlooked spaces and their professional and personal investments in their projects and the communities they work with.

Iconic Buildings: I work at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton

2018-07-12T09:05:00-04:00

In our series Iconic Buildings, we speak to people who live or work in buildings of architectural significance. Is their exposure to an architectural wonder on a daily basis a source of inspiration or simply part of the backdrop?

In this feature, we spoke to Nick Kay who is Workforce Development Officer and Conservation Assistant at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

Studio Visits: Hawkins\Brown, Manchester

2018-01-30T11:46:00-05:00

For our most recent Studio Visit, we went to visit Hawkins\Brown in their Manchester office. Set up by Katie Tonkinson who previously worked in the London office for 13 years, 'Studio North', has been incredibly successful growingly rapidly to 28 staff members after only two years in the city.

We spoke to Sam Beddingfield, a Part II Architectural Assistant, to find out more about their favourite parts of the studio, what they're currently working on and buildings they most admire in Manchester.

Studio Visits: ACME

2018-01-05T05:00:00-05:00

I walk past Acme's London office regularly and there is almost always a passerby staring into their window with a rather bemused, albeit intrigued, look on their face, not quite sure what to make of this golden cave of wonders. This is no accident, Friedrich Ludewig who founded the practice in 2007, told me on our latest Studio Visit. Having heard of a Japanese architect who shared his studio with his florist wife, Friedrich was inspired to create a similarly curious studio space with a speculative function to tantalize clients and the local community alike.

This playful and idiosyncratic approach is synonymous with Acme and can be seen in all of their projects, most recently the award winning Victoria Gate shopping mall in Leeds with its striking diagrid facade.

Having just celebrated their ten year anniversary we found out more about their journey so far and what the future holds for this exciting studio.

In Focus: Jill Tate

2018-01-03T09:00:00-05:00

In Focus is Archinect's recurring series dedicated to profiling the photographers who help make the work of architects look that much better. What has attracted them to architecture? How do they work? What type of equipment do they use? What do they think about seeing their work in blogs?

For this installment, we interviewed Jill Tate based in Newcastle.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 4 December 2017

2017-12-04T04:30:00-05:00

I will be eternally grateful to Archinect for asking me to write these pieces as it has encouraged me to read more column inches on Brexit than I otherwise would and to consider the wider issues. I must admit, it looks like a mess.

London at the Seoul Biennale

2017-09-18T04:00:00-04:00

London made good splash at the inaugural Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism which opened at the beginning of September in Zaha Hadid's DPP Cultural Centre. Taking one of the Biennale's themes of 'The Productive City' the London installation showed a film curated by We Made That and director Alice Masters which explored the complex thread of suppliers, from costumiers to scenery makers, that are needed to deliver a production in the Barbican arts centre. The film featured interviews with the artisans, creatives, manufacturers and suppliers, who contribute to London's role as a productive city.

The Return of the Master Builder?

2017-08-21T05:30:00-04:00

Following the Grenfell Tower disaster, Marc Vlessing, CEO of London residential developer Pocket, was speaking at a NLA Sounding Board meeting. Dutch-born Vlessing stated that for an objective view of such issues he often turned to the European press. Newspapers in Germany and the Netherlands, he said, immediately suggested that the cause of the tragic fire lay in the tendency of the UK construction industry to continually sub-contract risk.

Studio Visits: MMAS

2017-08-11T13:33:00-04:00

This week I went to visit MMAS, a Belfast based practice, in their studio, a converted mill just outside of the city centre. MMAS are a small practice, but their studio, full of models, drawings, sketches and ideas scribbled on whiteboards, is a dynamic place. I really enjoyed hearing their passion for the city in which they live and work.

Stirling Prize shortlist 2017 predictions

2017-07-18T05:57:00-04:00

Later this week, the RIBA will announce which projects have made it onto the 2017 Stirling Prize shortlist.

It’s rare that the very best buildings make the shortlist. It's normally a conservative list of projects which often fail to push boundaries in architectural thinking but would get the populist vote.

What we do as architects is not neutral: it is political

2017-07-05T05:30:00-04:00

I started writing this on the 13th of June. It was going to be a piece on the importance of critical engagement for sole or small practitioners. Thoughts on why, generally, as architects, we don't engage with other practices as much as we should; why it is important to do so; and to tell you about something we did here in Belfast to begin to explore how we might address this issue. Then, on the morning of the 14th of June, we all woke up to the news. The pictures. Smartphone footage. Tweets. Stories. Silhouettes of ghostly figures standing in smoke-filled rooms behind double glazed windows. The recordings of firefighters as they first saw the 24-storey, 67m high building that moments later they would be entering — “Fuck me, there’s children in there, there’s fucking children in there”. The numbers; statistics; faces of missing loved ones and the beginnings of public displays of collective grief soon to be followed by anger and protests.

Why Not London?

2017-07-03T04:30:00-04:00

"Why not London?" I kept asking myself as I wandered round the spectacular opening reception of the spectacular HQ of the Norman Foster Foundation in Madrid. Housed in the former Turkish Embassy building designed by Joaquin Soldana in 1902 the foundation is a treasure trove of Normanalia - early drawings, models, sketches, huge renderings, personal artefacts, bicycle designs and cross country skis. Everything presented in museum-quality perfection. Each room overseen by a uniformed assistant who not only asked you politely not to take photos but also could provide a bi-lingual description of the works on show.

Iconic Buildings: I work at the Victoria Baths in Manchester

2017-06-27T06:43:00-04:00

For this installment of Iconic Buildings we go to Manchester to visit the historic Victoria Baths, originally opened in 1906 but closed by the council in 1993. We talk to Georgina Child, the Administrative Assistant, who alongside the rest of the team, is working hard to raise funds to restore the baths to their original glory at the heart of the community in Manchester.

Diébédo Francis Kéré's Tree-Inspired Serpentine Pavilion Fuses Cultural African References with British Construction

2017-06-20T13:41:00-04:00

‘I was inspired by the figure of the tree in the landscape. I wanted to create a gathering space’, says Diébédo Francis Kéré discussing his design for the much anticipated 2017 Serpentine Pavilion.

The commission for the Serpentine Gallery’s annual summer pavilion will be one that is a game changer for the African architect.

Brexit Diaries: Neven Sidor of Grimshaw, 19 June 2017

2017-06-19T04:00:00-04:00

“They need us more than we need them”. My blood boils when I hear this delusional nonsense repeated by politicians who should know better. It doesn’t matter how many cars Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and BMW sell into the UK, they sell a hell of a lot more to the rest of the world, and let’s not forget that 44.6% of our trade is with the EU. The Brexit negotiations will dispel some of these fantasies and highlight our reduced place in the world. The UK will be poorer, smaller and, I fear, meaner.

Screen/Print #56: Alessandro Bava and Oskar Johanson Reflect on the Future of the AA in 'DUE'

2017-06-14T12:01:00-04:00

One of the preeminent schools of architecture in the world, the Architectural Association of Architecture (AA) in London is in the midst of some significant changes. Brett Steele, the director of the school, is heading out to Los Angeles where he will serve as Dean of the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture. During this time of transition, the students and alumni of the AA have taken to the school’s weekly publication DUE, featured here as part of Archinect’s recurring series Screen/Print, to reflect on the past and project towards the future of the institution.

Small Studio Snapshots: Studioshaw

2017-05-29T04:00:00-04:00

Small Studio Snapshots is a new, weekly series in which we investigate the ins and outs of running a small architecture practice.

This week, we're talking with Studioshaw, a practice set up in 2016 based in Shoreditch, London.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 26 May 2017

2017-05-26T04:00:00-04:00

An eventful month indeed. Theresa May took everyone by surprise by announcing an election. I still can’t understand why the opposition didn’t table an amendment to have the election later – say in September – to give them time to get their act together whilst not appearing to be running scared

Chasing rabbits — tales from a new practice.

2017-05-19T05:30:00-04:00

My first entry into the practice diaries is apt. Last week I launched a new architects practice LōF architects. I use the plural, but sat in my office — a small room at the bottom of my garden with just about enough room for either me or a swinging cat, but not both — I realise that the ’s’ is more a statement of future intent than a present reality. It’s really just me on my own.

When a building is not the answer

2017-05-17T06:31:00-04:00

In between the rush from here to there, have you noticed that we’re living in the ‘inbetween’?

While technology enables unprecedented levels of connectivity and inclusion, fragmentation abounds as our sense of community, belonging and traditional business models are turned on their heads.

Getting to know London Landscape Architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman

2017-05-05T04:46:00-04:00

Gustafson Porter + Bowman are a landscape architecture firm based in Camden, London, with work ranging from conservation of significant sites to innovative re-thinking of urban brownfields.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T01:00:00-04:00

With the London Festival of Architecture opening in June – during which Weston Williamson and Partners have events planned – the organisers have commissioned a survey of the contribution that architecture makes to the UK economy. When we met last year, Tamsie Thompson the Director of LFA was keen to promote the event on a par with London Fashion week, and we suggested she needed firm evidence of the financial musclier order to convince Government why they should support her. She now has that research, and it makes interesting reading particularly for those responsible for our Brexit negotiations.

In Focus: Alex Upton

2017-04-19T05:18:00-04:00

In Focus is Archinect's series of features dedicated to profiling the photographers who help make the work of architects look that much better. What has attracted them to architecture? How do they work? What type of equipment do they use? What do they think about seeing their work in blogs?

In this feature, we talk to Alex Upton based between London and Birmingham.

Iconic Buildings: I work at the Natural History Museum, London

2017-04-08T14:10:00-04:00

For our new series Iconic Buildings, we speak to people who live or work in buildings of architectural significance. Is their exposure to an architectural wonder on a daily basis a source of inspiration or simply part of the backdrop?

For our second feature in the series, we interviewed Paul Gallagher who works at the Natural History Museum in London as Project and Programme Manager in their Central Project Office.

Presently the museum is undergoing significant refurbishment, in particular, the Hintze Hall, which is currently closed to the public.

Studio Visits: YARD Architects

2017-03-24T11:27:00-04:00

For the first in a new series, Studio Visits, we went to see an emerging architecture practice in South London. As well as having a good poke around we asked them to reveal a bit more about who YARD Architects are and what goes on in their studio.

Brexit Diaries: Chris Williamson, 20 March 2017

2017-03-20T07:25:00-04:00

I am writing this month's Brexit Blog at MIPIM, the annual international property conference. The bill to leave received Royal Assent during the week with ironic timing. MIPIM is a good opportunity to find out about the real drivers of the property market and study changes post referendum.

Dissolving the line between client and staff spaces

2017-03-10T04:13:00-05:00

Workplace designers are changing their approaching to client spaces within the office.

Traditionally, clients occupied dedicated and contained spaces that are segregated from staff areas and amenities. These spaces are designed as microcosms for meeting and entertaining, often with higher levels of finishes and with the best views. A carefully planned sequence of arrival spaces and ‘protected routes’ guide clients to these areas, which would often be the only spaces visitors see.

Brexit Diaries: Andrew Whalley of Grimshaw, 27 February 2017

2017-02-27T01:00:00-05:00

As Theresa May prepares to invoke Article 50 before the imminent March 2017 deadline, the UK Government are on the lookout for new economic partnerships to bolster the country’s long term financial position.

Buildings Need to be Curated; Collaboration With Other Fields Is Vital to an Era of Experience

2017-02-24T01:00:00-05:00

Look around. What is it that makes you most happy? Is it the mountain bike, or is it where that mountain bike takes you? Out amongst nature, wind in your face, exploring newfound tracks. Without this, the experience, it would simply just be a steel frame with wheels, sitting in a rack.

It’s the same with buildings or places. Without activation and life, they are just mere bricks and mortar or concrete structures, static in nature.

Iconic Buildings: I work at the Barbican Centre

2017-02-15T01:30:00-05:00

For our new series 'Iconic Buildings' we speak to people who live or work in buildings of architectural significance. Is their exposure to an architectural wonder on a daily basis a source of inspiration or simply part of the backdrop?

This time we talk to Lotte Johnson, Assistant Curator at the Barbican Centre.