THE HEAR & NOW
Studio Introduction
Studio Strategy |
Artefact 1.2 Right | Studio agenda icons
Studio (Re) - Activist |
Artefact 1.1 Left | Studio ethos & agenda word cloud
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(Re) - Activist imagines future conditions to develop a critical take on the idea of a user-generated city. Recognising existing infrastructure interventionists target strategies of improvement to upgrade the informal.
Meet the Team |
Artefact 1.3 Below | Group meal photo montage
A culmination of ambitious year 5 & 6 March students are working together to form a collective vision with the support of Simon Baker, a practising architect.
Studio Location |
Artefact 1.4 Above | Collage map representation of Cairo as a Megalopolis (Ellis, 2022)
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In 2022-23 (Re) - Activist are based in Cairo. With a population of 22 million, and 60% of residents living in informal settlements under a strict political regime, the chaotic megalopolis offers a rich eclectic canvas to explore (Elshahed, 2015).
Personal Working Methods
Thesis Project Inspiration |
Artefact 1.5 Above | Areas of interest & previous study that contributed to the formation of Ward's Thesis
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A complicated relationship with sleep has informed the foundation of my critical position and architectural interests in wellbeing. Previous work has investigated the importance of sleep, biophilic design and care for underserved communities through comforting design.
Core Architectural Values |
Artefact 1.6 Below | Themes integral to Ward's work, founded on personal beliefs
Personal Working Methods |
Artefact 1.7 Left | Reflection on previous methodologies
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This year Studio (Re) - Activist has introduced me to new methods of design research. However, themes of preservation and care remain central to my current practice.
The studio agenda works in tandem with my beliefs and passions. An interesting interplay has formed which supports my ambition alongside testing my architectural outlook.
Previously used Typical Framework |
Artefact 1.8 Right | Constellation Mapping of Ward's typical design process used in previous projects
Studio Methods & Shared Resources
Situationist Methodology |
Artefact 1.9 Below | Mapping derived from Urban Flotsam Situationist Agenda (Bunschoten, 2023)
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(Re) - Activist promotes a situationist methodology. It reflects upon the limitations of using 'top-down' research to comprehend the complexity of urban scenarios (Hammond, 1960). Where we are 'outsiders', taking an active role reduces discourse between the situation and observer. 'Participatory Action Research' applies a 'bottom-up' approach to catalyse project proposals by identifying unique moments and opportunities to build on (Groat & Wang, 2013).
Strategy Room |
Artefact 1.10 Above | Strategy Room located in Sheffield's Arts Tower
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A strategy room enables the production, recording and dissemination of knowledge acquired throughout the implementation of the situationist model.
Diverse research methods are encouraged by a variety of designated areas. The room will evolve to reflect the growth within our projects.
Studio Library |
Artefact 1.11 Below | Shared literary resources
Methodologies |
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Urban Flotsam explores the contract architects have with society and suggests novel means of mediating the relationship (Bunschoten, 2001).
Climate Awareness |
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Hoggard et al's (2022) toolkit expands on a succinct set of design considerations which, if followed will result in a sustainable design proposal.
Context |
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The Egyptians uses stories and ethnographic research to give a candid description and explanation for the present political situation in Egypt (Shenker, 2017).
Spatial Outlook |
Lefebvre inspires the examination of space from many perspectives. 'Humans not only produce social relations but also social space' (Lefebvre, 1974).
Culture & the Role of the Architect |
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Suggested readings explore thought provoking topics including social dynamics and culture to inspire novel, lateral thinking.
Thesis Project Methodology Proposal
Project Ambitions |
Artefact 1.12 Left | Plotting of project values used in year 5 MArch & ambitions for Year 6
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To ensure a well rounded Masters this project will repeat methods which excelled in year 5, such as design led by community engagement, as well as covering previously under resolved aspects.
My practice promotes well-being therefore design must consider the human scale and iteration to accomplish detailed resolutions.
A Hybrid Project Framework |
Artefact 1.13 Below | A combination of personal and studio design processes
