Design Studio (Two) Two BA Architecture

Natalie Newey & Matthew Stewart

Natalie Newey is Senior Lecturer, Year & Studio Leader in 2nd Year, and SFHEA. She has considerable experience working in practice, both in the US and in London. Circular building is a key interest of hers, which is further enriched by engaging students in community collaboration, localism and environmental issues.

Matthew Stewart is an architect, design and cultural context tutor. He is currently a doctoral researcher at Goldsmiths University where he also teaches. He is interested in the relationship between digital cultures, spatial practice and political economy.

DS2.2: Radical Speculations

Students: Fatema Al Najem, Malak Almalkawi, Kevin Cahani, Antoni Canyelles, Rania Chebihi Hassani, Rania Elkharim, Medhi Kareemi, Vich Raksey Dom, Diane Fernandes, Ken McParland, Calota Monjardin, Ohla Petrachkova, Pelin Polat, Andrine Siverstein, Max Rider, Sarina Sheikh, Shania Stephen-Paul, Jens Storm-Gran, Szekei Tse

Our ‘Speculations’ this year centre around a live project in collaboration with YesMake, a social enterprise run by Joel De Mowbray. YesMake empowers communities through the construction of public spaces, promoting low-carbon construction techniques and the circular economy.

On a meanwhile site, adjacent to Global Generation’s Paper Garden in Canada Water, the studio set out to develop interventions which could provide additional space and activities for the local community, supporting and expanding the offer of the Paper Garden. he materials used were limited to the reclaimed materials that YesMake could provide. Over a week in late May, the students constructed three of these structures on site.

The students began the year’s journey by designing masterplan scenarios in groups and, from these studies, developed individual proposals which took shape over the course of Semester One with input and feedback from YesMake, Global Generations and the local community.

A workshop creating ‘mash up’ versions of a selection of these proposals was the starting point for Semester Two. Working in groups, three pavilions gradually emerged through a process of iterative modelling, rigorous testing and subtle adjustment throughout the term. The proposals have been carefully crafted and refined via models, drawings, detail testing and regular feedback from our collaborators.

The question: What is the least we can build while ensuring the concept is delivered? has been at the heart of the design and refinement of these interventions. he students took on this challenge with enthusiasm and creativity. he collective effort and experience between students, tutors and our many collaborators has provided a particularly valuable learning experience in this year-long collaboration.

This collaboration and project was made possible by QHT funding.

Guest Critics: Amr Assaad, Scott Batty, Nancy Guest, Will McLean, Axelle Sibierski, Adam West, Paolo Zaide

Special Thanks: Joel De Mowbray (YesMake) & QHT Small Projects Fund