Static objects - changing environments @ CASS London (2000/1)
Our theme for the year was 'Static objects — changing environments'. Smithfield Square in Dublin was our chosen site, and we introduced the theme like this: 'If the world were increasingly obsessed with the virtual, with live and work on screen and chair (or armchair), with projected images of projected realities etc. etc., such new occupation patterns could change buildings. But buildings, even when becoming shells, remain material. And there is context... The studio’s work explores materiality and materials as a background for contemporary occupation in specific contexts. The studio encourages abundant play with material qualities, the exploration of sustainable material usage and of different space-making material characters.'
Building the end-of-year show at London Metropolitan University / CASS School of Architecture (image: B&V 2001)
The end-of-year show at London Metropolitan University / CASS School of Architecture (image: B&V 2001)
The academic year 2000 to 2001 was our last teaching year at London Metropolitan University / CASS School of Architecture. That year, with Teresa Hoskyns, we ran an undergraduate studio for part-time students, always a dynamic and diverse group of motivated individuals.
The end-of-year show at London Metropolitan University / CASS School of Architecture (image: B&V 2001)
Students began the year by studying London’s newly opened Tate Modern using what we called “thick collages” and developed particular material interests that were then used as a starting point for material explorations in Dublin. Our end of year show at London Met / CASS used daylight, tracing paper and cardboard to continue the play with static objects and changing environments.
Static objects "thick collage" material study by student Roger Westoby (image: B&V 2001)