Environments by Design
Abstract
Tina & Nicola run a Masters’ studio which explores the making and materiality of spatial practice. Considering the role of the architect as a physical novelist who weaves together past, present and future. Starting with a question: what is your commitment to the future? Through a collection of letters, the studio considers Architecture has agency to fulfil these promises made by soon-to-be architects. Valuing authenticity and identity, the studio considers global matters of concern – global pandemic linked to ecology and climate change. Going on to explore the narrative of Utopia and Dystopia in film, architecture, literature and history. In this context, the studio is working to produce a MANUAL FOR THE FUTURE CITY.
Applied to Gosport, surrounded by a constellation of forts protecting the natural harbour at Portsmouth, UK; The City has a dystopian past and heritage rooted in war and defense. Layering the archaeologies and drawing out a palimpsest of spatial meanings, spatial practice is developed as active and comprising drawing, making and working with the digital.
Nicola Crowson BA (hons), Dip Arch, FHEA, ARB
My Interests are the phenomena of architecture and a tectonic manifestation of architectural ideas. Foundation of research interests comprise key themes of cultural understanding, narrative, representation and drawing are used to empower learning. Mapping, making and drawing are fundamental aspects to my practice. Their use to expose the complex layering of place and development of meaningful architectural proposals. My work is varied and place specific.
Tina (Bird) Wallbridge BA (hons), MA(RCA), FHEA, ARB
On-going research projects investigate how ‘overwriting’ a place with cultural heritage, experience and narrative utilising cartography methodology can deepen contextual understanding and inform authentic contemporary place-making and design. In parallel examining how research through making can synthesise theory and creativity together to inform Architecture, Art and Design Education and Practice. Together, Studio pedagogy and practice currently reflects this methodology. Work with students has also been regularly exhibited publicly in Art Galleries/Public venues and involved collaboration with local stakeholders in the City/location concerned in order to engage debate and conversations in place and give agency to place-making thinking and re-imagining.