PREFACE As a designer, rationalizing our thoughts becomes one of our key aspects. Over the years of study, I have learnt to manifest these thoughts into much more solid notes that fuels the fraternity of thoughts. This portfolio is a collection of works that focusses on architecture journalism. A simple note of idea to create and write these studies and research into a single pieced format that collectively speaks about the topics that often needs to be discussed in the architecture fraternity. The portfolio includes competitions that I have been part of proposing my ideas and opinions to mainly magazines as well as some of my editorial works that I have been currently working on that highlight’s issues, stigmas and matters that need to be openly discussed in the architecture field.
Architecture Writing Competition-2018 Bee Breeders Magazine
Focus Keyword: Affordable
TIME LAPSE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING Starting from towering green skyscrapers to a low leveled ground scraper to a commodious sprawling bungalow, housing has had an exuberant change on architectural grounds. The excursion of protective "shelters" has outgrown the brainwaves of humanity; they have evolved alongside the ideologies of mankind which have led to the massive growth in the economical aspect. Availability of materials, plumbing systems and other aspects, advance in design, government precedent, and the overall living standards play a vital key in this "EVOLUTION OF HOUSING". As an extensive consumer and an active member of social housing is not just a want but a necessity. The factor of "sizing" in our budget plays an important role; this leading to the housing crisis i.e., search for affordable housing. Long, ago the lower end of the budget used to reach out to the working-class people, however, due to urbanization these kinds of options are far yet difficult to reach Housing started its toll for the middle-class families during the Act of Great Depression and for those who came in as refugees. It started with a simple tent or just a roofed compartment servicing the basic human needs. As the years passed by social movements, riots, and uprisings rearranged the key demographics of the urban spread. The turn of politics and change in widespread events led to the funding or de-funding of urban housing initiatives. The wealth gap between the stature of the upper, middle, and lower class still leads to either funding or defunding by the government on the renting for public housing. (In Ref: Veale) Three main core questions that have now arisen is the simple question of WHO is responsible for the use of this kind of valuable space? HOW to access them? And WHAT makes the housing properties to be addressed by consumers as "Affordable". A house employing to be affordable is most commonly dominated by the needs of the working class. It is widely seen that the rise or drop in the rent makes a drastic impact on the main users of these spaces; however, the answer to the 'what' is implied in key factors. Research analysis shows that housing affordability is highly influenced by three major growth industries- Social, Economic, and Political factors which are inclusive of the macroeconomy, immigration, time expended on the buildings, income levels, construction charges and requirements, taxation, and most importantly the availability of service. (In Ref: Factors Influencing) Conclusively the answer to the third question of "HOW" to access them is a relatively debatable and broad discussion. Or more specifically on how to classify the housing is the key subject. Many countries over the years have come up with national policies to provide housing at an affordable rate for every income tax supplier. The understatement, however, lies in the fact that we search for affordable and liveable houses, and yet there is no big investment in this field progressing. While they wait in progress for this upcoming sphere is time-consuming the brighter outlook would be on the growth progress over the period.
Architecture Writing Competition-2018 Bee Breeders Magazine
There has been a major shift in the outlook from just roofed houses to shelter cares up to 3D printed homes, gated communities which have risen. Countries all around have taken vast initiatives for creating the best places for their citizens by the successful arrangements between the government and the housing sectors. (In Ref: Seth) As the uprisings for a sustainable living have increased over the years, the question to answer, are these sustainable housing methods "affordable". With the increase in the technical aspects and product development more and more sustainable housing are seeking to be claimed as affordable. One of the most trending housing is the 3D printed house. It is thought to resolve the issues of the housing crisis. The approach towards the future goes in two directions either we can react to the development or take a step and shape that development proactively. There might be a turn towards the idea of co-habitable living spaces rather than a single structure. (In Ref: Mathew) The future for sure will carry one thing: liveable space to become more premium and exclusive. The limits of technology are not known which leaves the future for affordable housing uncertain. What the future holds in housing, settlement and co-living is an inexplicable question but there is always a milestone for improvement and growth. (In Ref: Mason)
Architecture Writing Competition-2018 Bee Breeders Magazine
BIBLIOGRAPHY WORKS CITED 1. Veale, Liza. “The Evolution of ‘Affordable Housing.’” KALW, Nov. 2016, www.kalw.org/post/evolution-affordable-housing. 2. Commonwealth Parliament, and Parliament House. “Chapter 4 - Factors Influencing the
Demand
for
Housing.”
Home
– Parliament
of
Australia,
Corporate
Name=Commonwealth Parliament; Address=Parliament House, Canberra, ACT, 2600;
Contact=+61
2
6277
7111,
15
Apr.
2013,
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Former_Committees /hsaf/report/c04. 3. Mason, Moya K. “Housing: Then, Now, and Future.” La Francophonie: History, Structure, Organization, and Philosophical Underpinnings - Francophone, BoutrosGhali,
Africa,
Quebec,
Quiet
Revolution,
Canada,
Member
Countries,
www.moyak.com/papers/house-sizes.html. 4. Seth, Shalini. “Affordable Housing: How to Get There.” GulfNews, Gulfnews, 18 Sept. 2017, gulfnews.com/business/property/affordable-housing-how-to-get-there1.2091637. 5. Mathew, Teresa,” What Affordable housing already looks like.” Citylab, May 2018, 6. www.citylab.com/design/2018/05/what-the-future-of-affordable-housing-alreadylooks-like/560126/
RTF-2020 Editorial Works
Focus Keyword: Perceptions
Storytelling: Altered Perspective of the World A world without architecture can be fairly said as a desolate land. Architecture is the essence of any built environment, a structured vision for us as viewers to completely immerse ourselves into what the world has provided along with what we can evolve from it. As kids we often tend to be curious about things beyond what we can comprehend, we look at the world as a happy place with blossoms of luxury embedded into it, however, understanding the depth of how an environment is created isn’t acknowledged. This is on a similar path for an adult as well, we are always in a rush and neglect how the environment is moulding us to be better and productive. ‘We shape our buildings, and afterward, buildings shape us.’ -Winston Churchill This is the absolute truth we need to hear, how we react to a situation is completely based on how the space around us affects us mentally, physically, and emotionally. Perception of the space we create is ignorance that we can’t hide, architecture helps eliminate that ignorance to keep us aware of our surroundings in a much more meticulous way than what would be seen by a meek mind.
The Evolution of How Architecture Changes Perceptions At its roots, architecture not only defines the physicality of the environment but also the emotional state of mind of the users. Before the “foreign” word called architecture was infested into us, a simpler world was what we looked upon. But as the grasp of this new reality was entrusted upon us, the world seemed much larger. As an architect what we envision is something that oblivious people cannot even imagine. We tend to break the simple barriers between living and built structure, understand the coexistence of what is real and timeless to what determines eternity. After the exposure to the culture of ‘Architecture’ every space comes with the nostalgia of what we are made to experience in 3-dimensional thinking as a student. With the sense of space, the building becomes a measured quantity that is to look at the given entity not just as a built environment but rather makes us think about its progress from concept to evolution as well as the look and feel. The perception expands from 1 dimensional to much more of a 3dimensional vision. Architecture opens up various senses of understanding an environment i.e. as a designer the focus turns more towards the kind of impact space would have on the user rather than just its aesthetics. You get a heightened sense of awareness about the spatial feeling and start complementing the unusual “diction” of building and construction which might seem a bit eerie to normal people. As we are more aware of the kind of environment, we expect to live in it becomes necessary for us to retaliate those feelings when we walk into a place.
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1_After architecture_©leewardists
More than just materials and buildings Architecture not only affects society on a macro level but also on a more personal level, it can have a profound impact on its occupants and the way they feel. As a novice to the architecture world, we tend to not notice the effect of space on our psychology, rather the presence is always strong enough for us to wonder about how we perceive the area. Have you ever walked into space or rather stared at a magnificent building and said, ’Wow, what a piece of art!’ or rather ‘This feels so surreal, such a beautiful place.’, this is how a novice would end up appreciating visually a space, but for an architect, there is much more than the outside façade, they look into the layers of prospects of the entire design. Perception of how architecture changes the way we visualize buildings, places, community spaces, or any other space or entity varies from one individual to another, analytically all of the opinions are true in a different fashion, yet each understanding and visions are new and singular.
2_Wood Innovation and Design Centre_©Ema Peter Photography Architecture questions the style of living and how we could diminish the barricade between inanimate and living sense. Thus, as an architect, it is a fundamental necessity to view not just
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what the world is but also what the world could be. The way designers view is to question the quintessential existence of living. Architects, when compared to others, have a particular point of view, namely, they do not only interact with buildings daily, but they also have to build them. (Julean, 2016)
Architecture and its limitless impacts on simple minds Architecture is more than just a subject, it's a way of living. Every single element of change and understanding that you observe after becoming an architect opens up various hundred new opportunities. Perceiving any visual space as an architect is a more realistic interpretation of how an environment could change the way you feel. It thrusts the fact that any space or building is more than a concrete surrounding or just materials, it’s an intensive play of emotions that only an architect can analyse. A rather elementary conclusion is that when one judges architecture, one speaks about perceiving architecture and not about architecture per se. (Julean, 2016)
3_Architects during flight_©leewardists At times, the real horror of society can be overlooked by the normal vision; however, as an architect, the sense of responsibility for your society takes a greater toll. For example, a trip to the foothills of the Western Ghats is rather a beauty on its own but as an architect what catches the eyes are the living conditions as well as the ghastliness that nature has been subjected to. Sometimes architects not just visualize the area based on aesthetics or its scenario but are constantly deliberated with the history, the evolution as well as its prospects. Understanding what the world is yet capable of is more like a consequence of architecture. The change of perceptions occurs mostly as you are now exposed to a world of possibilities as an architect, designer as well as a respectable member of society.
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Architects shape our world — how we see it, how we think about it, how we live in it. They take the basic principles of physics and geometry and apply them to the environment around us, creating a society that is not only beautiful, but that is purposeful and practical as well. (Shuman, 2018)
Progressive perceptions of an architect As an architect or a designer over the years of experience the way we perceive to progress. It moves from a simple holistic approach to an in-depth curiosity that has boundless solutions. The way we talk, perceive things, visualize even a scenario all them changes in course.
4_Apple Park_©fosterandpartners As the ideology of perceptions progresses with experience, so does the analogy of how we solve the problems placed in front of us. Being an architect is to keep a keen eye on every single detail that you can catch so that as a designer we can narrate a much in-depth tale to others and in turn create a deeper sense of what is seen and felt around us.
References: 1. Julean, D. (2016). Why Architects See Things Differently an Architectural Approach on Teaching Space Perception. European Scientific Journal, SPECIAL Edition, pp. 2,6. 2. Shuman, D., 2018. How Architects Shape the World We Live In - Passion Passport. [online] Passion Passport. Available at: <https://passionpassport.com/how-architects-shape-theworld/#:~:text=Architects%20shape%20our%20world%20%E2%80%94%20how,purposeful %20and%20practical%20as%20well.> [Accessed 25 February 2021].
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Focus Keyword: Oscar Niemeyer
Pioneering Modernistic Urban Composition French Communist Party Headquarters- Paris "For me, beauty is valued more than anything- the beauty that is manifest in a curved line or in an act of creativity”- Oscar Niemeyer A philosopher and a modernist architect who bent the bounds of linearity to create an atmosphere of celebration for the natural curves of beauty that one manifests in different forms. Oscar Niemeyer created truly state-of-the-art beauty with his innate style of architecture- white concrete, graceful curves, and primary color accents. Under the wing of the esteemed Le Corbusier, Niemeyer stumbled upon the hard-edged European style of modernism, however, the lack of that hint of elegance and culture apt lead him to create a visionary stand in the architecture field. He is perhaps celebrated for his first take on a regional expansion of modernism that celebrates the Brazilian-infused Modernism. His style mostly was a coalescence of the Brazilian picturesque, the ethereal curves of feminity, and his inclination to politics. His demeanor towards the field of design wasn't just about the community, it was the sense of romanticism towards what one could envision about nature and feminism the most and then translate it to a built urban fabric.
The French Communist Party Headquarters, Paris The very first infamous introduction of Oscar Niemeyer to the European community was by the Communist Headquarters built for the French Communist Party in Paris. Built between the years 1967-1980, the design was the epitome of expressing the innate relationship between architecture and politics. Influenced by the 'concrete' fabric design module created by Le Corbusier himself Niemeyer introduced the European world to a fusion of a feministic approach to modernism. The building itself speaks about the whirlwind of stories that Niemeyer induced himself politically, that finally led him to Paris where he would be introduced as the designer of the French Communist Party Headquarters. The ideology for the building originated from the idea to let the building ‘breathe’ into the urbanscape. The design creates an atmosphere of a graceful mass of concrete within the urban fabric styled in a typical neighborhood of urbanization, Haussmannian style.
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Hand sketches and Initial visuals by Niemeyer
Design Philosophy and Intent Facing the Place du Colonel Fabien, flanked by Avenue Mathurin Moreau and Boulevard de la Villette on either side, the sloping Site itself was divided into three contrasting the sharp existing urban pattern. The first part covers the base- two floors below street level for garages and other services and the ground floor that is reduced to five feet on public roads. As the ground floor is openended, spaces are visible only through the experience of the interior making the building flow seamlessly.
Sunken courtyard- Invigorating Plaza
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The second part points towards the Chamber of Deputies with the similarity drawn to the power figure in Brazil- the Three Powers Square, Brasilia, where the dome of the auditorium meets the central committee and the white structure stands on the square space. The third which is the sixstory tower creates a continuity of the urban fabric by its undulating graceful form and frames the plaza. The striking domes highlight the combination of various volumes.
“The prevailing idea was to manifest not only the plastic freedom of my architecture but also the advancements in engineering in Brazil," Niemeyer wrote.
The design was to create a balance between the built environment and the user; to create a sense of continuity between the culture and environment. Niemeyer created the right understatement to the area and volume thus striking that visual balance in an urban cover. The plaza cites as a meeting conjecture, "the great hall of the working class" with an auditorium, exhibition hall, and library. The twoer on the other hand forces the verticality within the site. Resting on five pillars as support showcases the lightness it ensembles to the design. Internally has vertical circulation annexes, while the floors constitute mainly of offices the last is dedicated to a restaurant. The strategy of a half-buried auditorium is representative of the design Niemeyer created in Brasilia Cathedral. The concrete dome has a tapered base and spherical cap with a height reaching up to 11 meters. The overall design undoubtedly speaks of Niemeyer’s style of design. The astoundingly heavy design still feels lightweight as to the entirety of the building because of the seamless curved form jutting in the urban fabric.
"It was the whole, or rather, was the relationship between volumes and open spaces, so often forgotten, which I respected."- Oscar Niemeyer “In the French Communist Party Headquarters, I demonstrated the importance of maintaining harmony between volumes and spaces on the exterior, which explains why the great workers' hall is located underground," Niemeyer spoke. (Pavka) The design encompassed blocks of offices coupled with vertical circulation along the public platform below grade to create the sense to flow. The curving six-story building carefully supported by columns bear the structural weight of the cantilevered plates and the service ducts as well that is covered by the PVC tiles. The interior follows a similar concept where the office is yet an expandable space that is separated by demountable partitions to volumize the space to the maximum. The main spiral staircase leads to the expansive main dining room on the last floor overlooking the city.
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Creating the Modernistic Approach to the Curved Structure The structure is enveloped by a tinted glass curtain wall designed by the French Industrial designer Jean Prouve. The concept of creating a futuristic concrete shaded building became a single piece of recognition that changed the entire outlook on the area in Paris. The glass façade with anti-solar external leafing creates the rhythmic enhancement horizontally as well. The design was thought in terms of heating and cooling as well with the provision of operable tinted glass panels. As the site slopes down to meet the tower the pavement turns into a ramp that deliberately guided the people to the sunken entrance enhancing the terrain and the tower juncture. White floating canopy projects from the sweeping block to frame the entrance.
The Juncture of Spaces Connecting the Interior to Exterior The vertical block creates an enclosed yet open space underneath that encompasses the exhibition spaces, a reception hall, lounge, bookshop, multiple conference rooms, and 450 seater auditorium. The design was to create a hidden palindrome for the ideology, hence only a part of the white dome is visibly set off against the glassy façade. The creation of visible green carpeting was representative of the natural site conditions while the interior specifically is seen to have the tone of Niemeyer's curving features used. The auditorium itself constitutes of only a glazed strip surrounding the conical walls providing the only source to natural lighting.
The design itself speaks of Niemeyer’s relation with politics and feminity. The building infuses the hard-hitting concrete with subtlety and mystery. The interior is an extension of the building itself, the meeting rooms are inched with the same curvy desk with the seaters being Niemeyer's creation. Neimeyer went to great lengths to create that blind look of openness between the inside and the outside with every possible detail.
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The plaza created was to represent the existing terrain and retain the essence of the site itself. Paris is a 'luxurious' city, this structure barricades itself from the monotony of the designed frame. Just as the design was so ambitious the construction itself was done in two parts, the first consisting of the tower and part of the plan hall and basement while the second being the envelope of the structures.
Oscar Niemeyer bought his distinctive style of fusion of modernism and the cultures of Brasilia to the city of lights, Paris that now has become a treasured national heritage. Despite the capitalistic overall look, the building itself is still used by photographers, models for their purposeful needs. As history says even if the dutiful purpose fails only the ethereal beauty still stands; the design just so speaks to that.
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Focus Keyword: Interior Designing
The in-Depth Role of Color Psychology in Interior Design Creating a Colour Palette: To Keep A Sense of Intimacy and Innate Feel in Interior Design Colour is an integral part of this world, in the built as well as the natural environment. It is considered a part of the universal language and is mostly known to be the easiest notion for communication Interior design is a method to beautify our living habitat and for the user to express his or her personality. The ideology established by designers is to differentiate between people merely using the space and people experiencing it to the fullest. It is necessary to understand the user's movement and their way of living to get the best out of any defined space. The movement and behavior of human beings are linked directly to how they perceive space. When a person habitats to a plain and monotonous house, that kind of appearance lacks that user intimacy and he looks at the space in a single perspective, however when a house replicates the person’s personality and character, space itself enunciates the beauty of the user as well the environment. Colour is the first means of visually representing a character. For any novice to enjoy the area color plays the main protagonist giving a brief look at the kind of lifestyle space wants to display. Studies have shown how the human mind functions when imperiled to colors and hues. The perfect blend of colors can create a productive and proactive environment for users to work in, on the other hand, themes and colors when subjected to a mismatched mix can create a state of confusion and despair.
Complementing shades of neutral hues Image Courtesy: RArchitecture on Unspalsh Image Source: designlike.com
Interior Design is a way of living. It is a blend of living, experiencing, and reimagining various aspects that fall within a closed box. When designing is to consider, the idea is to create an environment that does not prejudice the space as just an imaginative cluttered living; it should be on creating that harmony and balance needed to live comfortably. Colors and themes are more than just mere fancy decors used by the elites. The deeper the understanding of how colors could enhance the mind and its psychology, the better is the designing aspects. Different color tones are the easiest method to highlight the unique character of the space.
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Themes create a sense of modern, fresh vibe and give the area a bit more of a personalized touch. A better living is the mighty phrase that injects into every other person’s urban dictionary but the real ambiguity lies in how the style of living depends on interior design. Being a fundamental aspect of human evolution, it is necessary to truly understand and educate ourselves on how color, themes, décor are modes of spatializing any interior space. Faber Birren, the American father of applied color psychology proclaimed: ‘The study of color is an essential aspect to the mental psychological science, for the term color itself signifies a sensation.” (Manhke, 2012) The impression that needs to be etched in the user’s mind directs on the means of how the theme and tones need to reciprocate. If the notion around is still within the cusps that color is only to showcase and highlight the interior, it is mistaken. In interior designing it is a key figure to understand the spatial necessity; this depends on other factors like the area it would be dedicated to, the kind of users targeted, the size of the room, and many more. Colors is an elegant means to speak about such modes without actually showing it literally. For example, in a hospital, it wouldn’t make sense to have a deep tone of red or shades of orange you would rather have a neutral or a cooler shade to provide comfort to the users. Each space is defined in such ways that display the need of the hour for that particular activity.
Use of White Palette and its hues makes the area look bigger Image Source: flooringamerica.com
The Display of Emotions and Psychosomatics Through Interior Design and Its Relation with Colour Psychology Each tone of shade greatly changes the mood of the setting and is directly proportional to how the area is or will be perceived. As the times have changed, and the greater part of humanity spends time within the closed environment, it is pivotal to play with the interiors to create that innate connection of the mind to space. For that desired spatial arrangement, it is important to see in terms of the smallest element that could change the entire perception. Colors make a vivid entry in such scenarios, where it can maximize or minimize the spatial sense, where it could play with the visuals of the room and set the tone for the kind of event that would be defined in that area. Certain
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live examples would be from what goes unnoticed yet rather felt more potently, like to make space seem larger, white tones are used and at the same time, a darker palette like black would make the place seem smaller.
Accenting a single wall highlights the purpose Image Courtesy: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images Image Source: thespruce.com
Themes represent a setting, similar to that of the Mediterranean or a boho lifestyle or plain modern living showcase the character of a still room. It brings the little piece of travel and luxury in a rather poignant and stoic environment. Interior designing is beyond just décor and playful colors, it is to provide the architecturally best environment at its fullest. Over the past decade, there has been a massive growth in the interior design fraternity, and ever since it has become more or less a norm to utilize the concepts of interior design without the basic idea behind its purpose. Interior design holds the potent ways to either make or break a space, the common notion is to utilize the trivial parts of designing and then elaborating on that. Colour is usually seen as a trivial conjecture that just makes the room “pretty”. This idea steers away from the truth behind the use of palette and tones. Each color on the wheel plays and gives a whole different set of emotions that helps us perceive the activity and the outlook of the environment better.
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Bohemian Living styled Room by Decorilla Image Courtesy: Gwendolyn.G Image Source: decorilla.com
Certainly, the mere assumption that colors are no more than decoration and the specifications are to be satisfied merely by own interpretation or that the use of themes and colors are just in fashion are baseless and false. A humane approach towards interior design places the end-user in the center of concern and intent. Thus, any interior designer must know the truth and the in-depth analysis of the play of color and theme to expound interest in human welfare and their dignity in the ways of better living. (LTD, 2017)
References: 1. Frank. H Manhke (2012). Colour in Architecture — More Than Just Decoration. [online]. (Last updated: July 20, 2012). Available at: https://archinect.com/features/article/53292622/color-in-architecture-more-than-justdecoration [Accessed date: 24/04/2021]. 2. TMD Studio Ltd. (2017). The Perception of Colour in Architecture. [online]. (Last updated: August 21, 2017). Available at: https://medium.com/studiotmd/the-perception-ofcolor-in-architecture-cf360676776c [Accessed date: 25/04/2021].
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Focus Keyword: Edward Cullinan
A Master of Ingenious Designing: Edward Cullinan Cullinan One of The Early Proponent and Master of Sustainability and Social Awareness One of the few architects who designed from an early beginning towards climate change and has worked for over 60 years towards sustainable growth. Coming from a background of medicine and artistry, Cullinan is known to have shown interest from quite a young age towards art and natural healing. His approach always was considered a methodical and pragmatical approach, finding the needs of knitting architecture through sustainability, ecology, and the balance of social responsiveness
His status of becoming one of the most influential British architects never let him sway from his early unhinged motive of spreading awareness of ecology and steps to sustainability. The number of awards he was felicitated never bothered his intention of building eco-friendly buildings. A pioneer to the fraternity, he has widely marked his presence because of his incredible contribution to the welfare of architects and society. RIBA president Alan Jones had only praises for him,” A radical thinker who was way ahead of time and always pursued environmental issues first. I am glad that he was presented with UK architecture’s highest accolade the Royal Gold Medal.” (McManus, 2020)
Image Source: Medalla de Oro del RIBA 2008 | https://arquitecturaviva.com/
He was born to an artist mother a doctor father; despite the varied family field he hails from he was selected as a student in The Architecture Association and then later moved to the University of California, Berkeley. He practiced a while with esteemed Denys Lasdun before moving on to open his practice. Cullinan was never known for a particular style, he instead set a seam towards the global effects that would befall on the environment and grounded the design to the eclecticism of the site and its context. His ability to perceive and forge new ideas where rather all about being intuitive and rarely anything less than plainly being emotionally literate. This was a possibility due to his long offset career. His popularity escalated with the methods of being intuitive and concerned about the site related to the design. The house in Camden in which he imbursed his entire living was built by him and his wife which was the textbook definition of intuitive design, inspirational infill development, and most importantly energy conservated effective passive solar house.
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Camden House By Edward and Roz Cullinan Image Courtesy Cullinan Studio Image Source: cullinanstudio.com
Over four decades in the architecture fraternity, Cullinan was celebrated for his eccentric approach towards the awareness of the natural environment and the deep-rooted engagement that we experience while embracing any living habitable space. Some of his works are just an extension of this idea and stand firm with this ideology. The Downland Gridshell is an impulsive design that is a pragmatic yet poetic architectural state of the art that wields an organic emotion for a cathedral. A tribute to the likeliness of Sussex Dell is formed by a curving grid of oak laths cladded in red cedar shingles and lit above by a polycarbonate clerestory; a new twist on a classic cathedral. The building is an innate place that acts as a workshop for conservation and training in being the preservation of historic timber-framed buildings, sustaining low energy, and just plainly as an enchanting design highlighting engineering, craft, and art. His works have included such projects that are pivotal in highlighting and speaking out on engineering and raw architecture.
Inside of The Cathedral at West Sussex. Image Courtesy Steve Speller/Alamy Image Source: theguardian.com
The Centre of Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge was a movement of his further works. It is a campus that reveals the enigmatic pavilions within a fantasy setting that is a visual to behold. These are a few of his exemplary methodology which he sustained throughout his career. Each project shapes a sense of social awareness and allowing users to unfold the fantasy of an ecological center environment.
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The Essence bought by Edward Cullinan Style is Invigorating and Eco-centric Features in Raw Design. The designs spoken by Cullinan are an outlay of various fecund collaboration with other designers and a generation of talented colleagues in his architecture studio. Product of his manifestation, his buildings are the result of his open mind approach and his consideration to what exactly would be compatible with the context. Hidden in his subtle plans and designs hides a certain layer of romanticism and workmanship that commends the Art and Skill. Beyond practicing his skill as a working member in the architecture fraternity he was an exemplary professor. His career extended to teaching and sharing his insightful ideas with the budding patrons of architecture. A mellow and down-to-earth person, Ted was often praised by his colleagues and teammates for his grounded nature and his ever-strong views about being and contributing to society for its betterment. The design crew in the Cullinan Studio stated that Ted had been designing for climate change for more than 60 years with only a holistic vision for the profession and always described his work as a social activity more than for its glory. Edward believed in keeping his legacy not by the fame or recognition, but by the sands of time through his buildings and the places he had transformed. But most importantly he inspired to be a model for the younger generations by teaching and inspiring people throughout his life. His biggest achievements were to inspire and motivate people to be aware of their environment and to be insightful towards the needs of society. Despite his works may have been known perceptually to be a part of the Arts and Craft Movement it didn't stray away from serious intellectual concerns. His biggest strength was the ability to compel people about architecture, as he described and sketched at the same time it was quite a compelling spectacle that captured attention. This method reaches the apogee when the latent narrative becomes the context for his design roots, some that are even inclusive of his visitors’ centers in evocative areas like the Fountain Abbey or the sadly uncompleted proposal for Stonehenge.
The Fountain Abbey Visitor’s Centre Image Courtesy Cullinan Studio Image Source: dezeen.com
His philosophy was truly his biggest forte which established and merited him in a compelling way different from other architects and aided his win of the Royal Gold Medal in 2003. His contribution towards British architecture and his foundation of early eco-awareness is still a major asset for his design dictionary. Sadly, the demise of this leading architect was a hit to the fraternity and his works now guide the rest to manifest a sustainable design-oriented community. A generous, charismatic, and passionate man once wrote that his purpose was to create art of architecture in the service and contribution of our shared humanity. (Heathcote, 2019) References:
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1. David McManus (2019). Edward Cullinan Architects. [online]. (Last updated: October 3, 2020). Available at: https://www.e-architect.com/architects/edward-cullinan [Accessed date: 16/04/2021]. 2. Edwin Heathcote (2019). Edward Cullinan, pioneer of eco-architecture, 1931-2019. [online]. (Last updated: November 15, 2019). Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/514e7f4806d3-11ea-a984-fbbacad9e7dd [Accessed date: 17/04/2021].
Writing Competition-2020 Beechmore Books
LIFE WRITING COMPETITION ENTRY The indisposed truth of the societal norms in the modern age Societal beliefs are the incentives for a judgmental thought process which is based on the kind of living a person is fitted into within a community. “If someone holds their pain and sorrows for too long it is not because they are weak but rather have tried to be strong for so long.” Life, as we know it is always a complicated mess, no matter how many times we try to make things go perfectly or smoothly the chances of that truly happening, are 0.01%. The societal pressures, the peer pressure, the judgmental family and what not plays a pivotal role just about in any person's life. Nevertheless, we all are of the same species called Homo sapiens; everyone is the same and comes from the same roots of being in a hypocritical society which leads to the demise of the fundamental rights of humanity. For a person coming from a rather conservative background, I have rather led a perpetual normal life but have always wondered about the existence of these societal and judgmental norms of living that we as a part of this society have established upon ourselves and have confined to it. We live in a bubble that confines and curbs us into these boundaries which may be an emotional, physical or sociological barrier. When the purpose of us is to be united and appreciate the fact that others have probably gone through a similar rush of feelings why is that we distance ourselves from trivial features molded by our society? We have evolved with the reminiscences of our ancestors and have ever since followed them and nurtured them but the illogical perspectives put forward as to restrict our freedom of being free and truly us is something that has always troubled me in the past. Coming from a judgmental and pejorative society, I am constantly put on the threshold of which way to move ahead. Bounded by the concept of culture and ethnicities I have grown in a community that socially defines my boundaries on the kind of fellowship I surround myself with and the relationships I need to sustain. The constant fear and pride in who is more superior to who is something that has never settled with me and will never too! Is it right to put the atrocious path of your ethnicities, culture, and beliefs greater than the mere thought of humanity and love? We may be defined and divided by the boundaries of the land but the thought of benevolence and sympathy overfills the mindless mortals, at least that's how I perceived the fallacious truth. In recent times the ever-changing and lustful needs of oneself have always blinded the faith and power of compassion and understanding. Standing within the judgmental society just as a pawn the perspective that I have been forced to visualize is deep-rooted and filled with untruthful tales. I have always been known to perceive the truth behind the curtains and see the big picture but what would be the ultimate answer is if the big picture itself were just some deep-rooted lies that have always tried to engulf reality. The tales of a modern girl who believes in finding out and contemplating the answers for her curiosity is not something that is truly needed or is even grasped as a fundamental ideology by the condemnatory society that I have lived in. Bounded by the hypercritical thoughts the actual reality of romanticism and humanity has hidden well underneath the
Writing Competition-2020 Beechmore Books
cover of deep-rooted faiths and cultural beliefs. What the new generations or rather the evolving mankind now views are mistaken to be an act of rebel against the morality put forward by our ancestors but essentially the truth to be told is whether these beliefs were actual reality or just a mere fiction based on the group of individuals who seem to have either been dominated by their false greed of truth or were just delusional about creating divisions. The story of every other person encompassed in this societal pressure faces a high key drama, I'd say every other day. I always wondered if the rule was to just fit into the society or to stand out and achieve something for yourself. Ever since I was just a mere tot, I remember being always told to be the “perfect” example not for the sake of being a daughter or a person but so that I could escape the petty thoughts and imprudent ideologies that curb the community we have to live in. But the real question is WHY? Why change yourself and your thoughts just so you can hear people say she will never be the "perfect" example. The meaningless and endless fights with myself; to come an inch closer to find my voice and to stand out amongst the others within my society is something I would say is perfect. But again the definition of simple terms carries varying credence in different situations. The understanding and perspectives are what helps us strive to be better not just as a representative of society but as for the whole community that binds the concept of humanity. “Don’t live your relationship according to societal norms. There is no set way for two people to connect and grow with one another. The only rules you need to consider are the ones you and your partner create for yourselves.” - Sco