MArch Architecture Unit 22
A Bigger Pattern Unit 22’s design core implies a strategic vision of architecture. Therefore we have encouraged students to propose specific combinations of sites and projects with strategic intentions. Many of our students split the project across several locations or transform a whole urban area in the frame of a new institutional activity. Most of the projects include benefits for locals and visitors. Some create typologies that can be replicated. All of them try to think on how architecture can help make a life. All act within a larger pattern. These principles can be found in the collaboration that Lilian established between Cambodian medicine, floating architecture and income coming from tourists. They are also crucial to how Clarissa has understood the participation of Tunisian workers in Sicilian agriculture. This sensibility has enabled Freya to distribute her student location tactically in Cartagena de Indias, enabling students and businesses to work together. This vision is the one
helping Lulu imagine Beijing Hutong can be an architecture school and a local necessity, with reinforced income ensuring not only preservation but a respectful upgrade. This year Unit 22 has been generously supported by Vidal Associates and Roca. Pedro Gil has supported the Unit as a Practice Tutor for Design Realisation. Roberto Marin has been our Structural Consultant. During the year Catrina Stewart, Hugh McEwen, Felipe Mesa, Miguel Mesa, Nerea Calvillo, Felipe Hernández, Nacho Martin of Mi5 architects, Carlos Arroyo, Nuria Lombardero, Curro Canales, Yael Reisner, Luis Vidal, Max Dewdney and Chee-Kit Lai have participated in our intense and deep crits. Our fieldtrip to Colombia was especially amazing for the support of MAMM Museum in Medellin and the direction of Felipe Mesa or Plan B Arquitectura. Medellín Digital, Mesa Editores and Universidad Bolivariana de Medellin were also some of the welcoming institutions. Year 4 Akmal Azhar, Georgia Follet, Jiang Dong, Yuen Sar (Lillian) Lam, Jose Ignacio Ortiz-Muñoz, Joanna Preston, Kirsty Williams Year 5 Victoria Bateman, Freya Cobbin, Le (Lulu) Li, Megan Smedy, Clarie Taggart, Megan Townsend, Clarissa Yee
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The Bartlett School of Architecture 2013
environment. Open air facilities, infrastructures, landscape treatment, links and connection between architectural objects have been framed in each exercise. Each project helps architecture to meet and organise different environmental levels. The architecture of many of our students presents exceptional continuity with its surrounding landscape. Many details have been designed to flow with the wind, to keep moving during their lifespan, to change with the rhythm of seasons and tides – to create an architecture that breathes. The roof over Lilian’s floating architecture swings slightly with the rainwater, helping its collection and its direct use. Jose Ignacio has learned from tropical architecture to keep his designs open to natural flows; he has even learned to knot them. Water is storage; it evaporates, forms cloud and mist, and softly condenses in Megan Townsend’s indoor bathing landscape. To use Megan Smedy’s hotel facilities one needs to cycle and walk. The movement around the landscape and its surroundings helps users find comfort and beauty.