Combining on-site visit, research, writing and the use of different media, we were asked to create a visual and textual documentation. The aim was to uncover the meaning and impact of buildings and their surrounding environment designed in different time periods. We explored the formal properties of buildings, created picturesque tours, and closely followed a critic’s guidance to create our own research journal.
Using different approaches to develop work
An exploration of a building’s formal properties, based on the reading of Rasmussen’s Experiencing Architecture
By diving into the work of Rasmussen, we developed descriptive and analytical arguments focusing on certain aspects of our chosen building, while leading our readers on a journey through the building.
Exploration-of-formal-properties-by-Benjamin-CookExample of work by Benjamin Cook
An exploration of a building’s urban context through the concept of the picturesque.
By exploring the picturesque qualities of our chosen building’s urban context, we carefully developed descriptive and analytical guidance to our readers.
Exploration-of-a-buildings-urban-context-by-Bethan-Batson-1Example of work by Bethan Batson
An exploration of a building’s formal properties through the eyes of a critic.
As part of our study trip to Barcelona, we engaged with a building bearing in mind its urban context by following the style of an architectural critic to construct arguments changing the mind of our readers.
Exploration-of-a-building-through-an-eyes-of-a-critique-by-Gideon-Kasaka-1Example of work by Gideon Kasaka
Student experiences
“Developing the research journal encouraged me to scrutinize architecture in a way I had never done before; pushing me to acknowledge broader context and examine finer details. Why was the building made? How does its rhythm make me feel? Questions which would not usually come to mind when judging a building. The Research Journal provided me with a more matured set of tools in which to appreciate the architectural world.”
-Richard Kirk
“As someone who is interested in conservation architecture, considering different architectural movements and histories has been thoroughly beneficial in not only understanding how a space creates an experience, but also in developing my own design responses to themes and challenges, whilst being sympathetic to the already existing built environment.”
-Jayne Spearman
“The research journal was the first time I had ever really analysed a building. Investigating what I liked and disliked about a building and how the architects manipulated spaces, as well as using scholars such as Rasmussen and Ian Nairn to back up my arguments helped me reflect upon and improve my own design work.”
-Gideon Kasaka
“Reading the works of great architects and their own analysis of buildings and works will give you insight into how you should perceive and take apart (figuratively of course) the built environment around you. [Creating the research journal] also allowed me to understand I need to travel in order to experience space, light, volume which is inherently essential in analyzing the qualities which allow for workable and liveable spaces.”
-Prity Chatterjee