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Introduction
Course: Year 1 BA Architecture, Year 1 BA Architecture and Landscape, Year 2 MEng Structural Engineering and Architecture
Project Duration: 2 weeks
Project Description: This project explores the consequences of physical and spatial interventions through the testing and building of a small-scale built intervention in the public realm. The project builds on material testing and 1:1 making skills introduced earlier in the year, and develops group working skills, mirroring organisational structures often found in practice.
Number of students involved: 140+
Number of years running: 3
How does the project address the Liveness Charter aims?
Co-production
Whilst no external participants are involved with this project, students work together in large groups, taking responsibilities and defining roles within this, developing group working skills and mirroring/challenging organisational structures often found in practice.
Sustainable
Students are required to consider the lifespan and carbon footprint of their structures. Fixings must be designed so that the structure can be put together and taken apart several times. Timber studs and laths are either re-used the following year, or re-homed to community organisations. Past organisations have included construction of steps for older people’s group exercise class, firewood and hand tool teaching for Middlewood Nature Nursery, and canvas to Pitsmoor Adventure Playground.
Experimental
Live build encourages students to engage with the physicalities of architecture, the impact of their design decisions and the weight of materials. Students are encouraged to explore through making, rather than drawing and to develop alternative processes of working. Students utilise and develop skills in accessible technologies and communication.
Meaningful
The project is place-based, transforming a public space for a day. The physical transformation is focused on the temporary installations created by students. The activity of the 140+ students also creates a spectacle for passersby to view and enjoy. The project hints at the value of temporary creative transformation, and also the power of 'what if?'... how can beaches be used during the off-season, for alternative events, bringing creative value to an otherwise undervalued place?
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