More about Studio 16

Murray Fraser, Anthony Boulanger

Stealth Ecology

Our theme this year was ‘Stealth Ecology’, so as to arrive at new ways to enhance our enjoyment of urban culture and make cities more sustainable. Sites had to be in London. A process of experimentation – partly based on creative intuition, partly based on innovative technologies – challenged the heavy-handed cliches of ‘greenwash buildings’. That approach is inadequate, and the planet isn’t safe as long as such issues are in the hands of do-gooders. Virtue in itself doesn’t make for better design; indeed, often the opposite is the case.

Most of what passes for ‘green architecture’ today is a collection of applied standards and systems with predictable outcomes and aesthetics, leading to a dull status quo. As a counterblast, we asked students to create unique programmes and urban scenarios that were spatially inspirational and intelligently conceived. It had to be done subtly: hence ‘stealth ecology’. Projects looked closely at different needs of different people and come up with original ideas of how to live, work, relax and congregate.

Aesthetics, beauty and pleasure were in the equation, for these aren’t inherently wasteful or decadent notions. In fact, if something isn’t beautiful, then it isn’t worth sustaining.