Repeating, casting, extending, jointing, bearing

This semester we studied material as a way of generating form. The focus of the work was the design of a building project. We explored the physical presence of a single material - brick. The relationship between concept and construction was the basis of the project rather than an emphasis on programmatic resolution.

Repeating
The site of our project was Kings Cross Central in London, a place defined by the intensity of brick construction carried out at a large scale. A number of sites within this area were made available for students to locate their projects.

Casting and extending
We visited these sites in London and fromed an early period, carry out techniques of moulding and casting in order to examine surface and hidden spatial relationships between repeated elements. We explored the ad hoc manner in which forms are built-up in industrial construction, through agglomeration and adding and also observe how conceptual rules for contemporary construction may defy traditional practice in the pursuit of an intensity of form.

Jointing and bearing
We designed a building with a public use and concentrated our efforts on the material of its making, its volumetric potential and the emotional power it may hold. By using large scale models we attempted to form a new understanding of brick by questioning its presence and associative value. Design work was be supported by research papers presented at intervals which will provide a cultural and constructional context for our work.