A low-tech reimagination of a musical escape

This project initially began by researching a new method called Associative Mood and Memory Training (AMMT) for music rehabilitation. AMMT aims to improve memory processes and enhance social and mental outcomes by using music to induce a specific mood in patients. By associating the mood with stored memories, particularly autobiographical memories, patients can access information and events from their past.

This approach involves dedicated music listening or singing to trigger a shift in mood, activating a network of associative memories. The concept of the first term’s research project was to combine this rehabilitation method with architecture, specifically by using the natural sound of the sea in a low-tech reinterpretation of the Westminster Chapter House. The result was a fully demountable structure where bolts and screws became the construction language, capturing the experience.

Building on this research, the second term’s project explored music rehabilitation and low-tech architecture in a more complex manner. The second term began by acknowledging the diminishing recognition of the significance of music in an era of technological progress. Despite the ease of accessing music, its true essence and transformative power, especially when combined with architecture, are at risk of being overlooked. Purpose-built musical spaces that enable individuals to fully engage and appreciate the profound impact of music are disappearing rapidly. To counter this trend, the Birnbeck Symphony project was developed as a remedy to restore the recognition of music's significance and reintroduce its therapeutic value. The project envisions not only captivating acoustic performances but also a harmonious connection with nature itself.

The design primarily revolves around low-tech timber structures that utilize natural elements like rain and waves to create music, while AMMT occurs subconsciously. Within this sanctuary, a concert hall and dining hall provide settings for enchanting performances and meaningful social interactions. The project serves as an oasis, inviting individuals to embark upon Birnbeck Island and immerse themselves in a transformative journey of self-discovery through the power of music.