Main Project The Main Project consists of the design and construction of full-scale architectural structures at Hooke Park. Designs are developed through prototyping, mock-up and physical testing in collaboration with engineering consultants and specialist builders. For MSc students, this prototyping exercise concludes with a full-scale experimental timber construction at the end of Term 3, which forms the research basis for the individual MSc dissertations. This prototype is designed with the explicit intent to test new architectural applications of timber and radically exploit Hooke Park’s woodland and fabrication resources (including new robotic fabrication equipment). For MArch students, the Main Project consists of the collective design and construction of an experimental permanent building at the Hooke Park campus or, potentially, off-site. Construction of the building starts in the third term, with completion in the autumn. The range of research topics within these projects is broader than for the MSc, and can encompass individual interests in environmental and construction technologies, alternative forms of design practice, or issues relating to Hooke Park’s topographic and cultural landscape. Dissertation/Thesis For MSc students the dissertation presents the technical design research related to the development of the constructed timber prototype and proposes future applications. For MArch students the thesis presents an argument on a topic related to the theory or practice of architectural design within a design–build context, based on an analysis of the design and production of the Hooke Park built project.
Programme Staff Martin Self is Director of Hooke Park and has taught at the AA since 2004. He worked at Ove Arup & Partners, studied architectural theory at the AA and has consulted with practices such as Zaha Hadid Architects and Antony Gormley Studio.
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Emmanuel Vercruysse is co-founder of the art practice LiquidFactory, a member of the design collective Sixteen Makers and the field robotics group RAVEN. He directs the Robotics Fabrications Visiting School and runs the Knowhow Series Media Studies course.
Zachary Mollica is a Canadian architect and maker who graduated with distinction from Design + Make in 2016. Jack Draper combines his knowledge as a Dorset-based craftsman, furniture-maker and timber-framer to work alongside students in coordinating projects at Hooke Park Mark Campbell has taught history and design at the AA since 2004. He directs the MPhil in Media Practices. Charley Brentnall is a timber-framing contractor who has played a pivotal role in the renaissance of timber framing in the UK.