SCRACE ARCHITECTS

Adding a fourth dimension to our clients dreams

CONTEXT

The Power of Dominoes

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Recognising #Fridaysforfuture and a need to acknowledge climate change and the world around us the practice and friendly collaborators took some time out recently to see what might be required to accomplish more meaningful change.  Fresh from the IGNITE Climate & Cocktails event my head is still spinning with realistic optimism.  Here are some ideas to get us started:

One Domino …

First up we heard from Martha (11) who, inspired by Greta, in turn encouraged Elon Musk to “concentrate on sorting out our planet before starting on another??” Be sure to listen out for Martha’s contribution in an upcoming Architecture Made Simple episode.  Sophia then spoke about small changes we can all make in our homes and in our lifestyles which together contribute to bigger actual shifts.

Two Dominoes …

One of the key benefits of the IGNITE workshops is that we take the time stand back strategically from the business of our day-to-day lives and refocus.  Eva offered us the opportunity to join her and other stakeholders to join the Eco Hub, which serves to …

In this instance our presentations were interspersed with related activities and kinetic games. Rich Lloyd observed the potential we have as an individual’s (dominoes) to effect change. The group creation of a marble run (our own Rube Goldberg machine) encouraged us to recognise that, as a collective, all heading generally in the right direction, we might all eventually reach a connected and purposeful destination.

Three Dominoes …

Activities and discussions helped support the belief that in each of us making a positive change (no matter how seemingly futile) might lead to a positive outcome. Indeed, the biggest lesson of the day was in identifying the potential of geometric growth. The theory and assertion that in each of domino there is the potential to knock over a bigger domino, offered the hope that our little voice might someday become more powerful.

In connecting people and ideas we have the power to realise the unrealistic.  If we, as individuals, are being asked to change our lives dramatically, the least, we can expect is that larger companies, who often pretend to make good on their legacy, are held accountable for their actions as well as their inaction.

Time for a New Game

Whilst there is a clear positive impact from an individual response to meet our own net zero and balance our carbon footprint, Tim observed that it should not rest on us alone.   It is in the commercial power of companies where significant mitigation lies.  Rather than the individual we should be focusing our attention on the bigger players.  In reality, with just 90 companies responsible for 66% of historic carbon emissions (Heede 2016), we should be targeting their responsibility and wealth as a means of combatting the damage they have caused.

Playing Big

The question now is how to get to the policy and decision makers at the top to effect a change in ethos.  Perhaps the answers lie in dominoes?  Let us start by approaching and educating the closest domino to you on the effect they are having.  In time we will reach the shareholders and investors who can then lobby these companies to balance things up and encourage them as bigger dominoes to make the right choices.

Asked to add some positivity to proceedings Armin Ganguly assumed a realistic perspective. The question as to how to save the planet is not a fair assessment of the things “we should focus on has to save half the planet’’.  There is still time, we should see what we can do! As the great man says, #alwayslookup!

If you know someone who has power and influence then they are your next step to make that change.  Begin with the closest and biggest domino you can find.  Knock them over with the facts and offer them ideas about how they can help us all save what is left!

Make sure you don’t miss the next IGNITE event scheduled for Friday 16th September.

Wish I was at home for Christmas

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Only a week left to go to get everything sorted.  The presents organised, the food ordered, the house set for visitors (if we’re allowed them).  So why all the fuss? Why do we suddenly feel the need to get everything ready for the big day? Why is it so important?  What I find so interesting this year is that, even when we have spent much more time at home than usual, we seem more excited about the prospect of getting home for Christmas.  It made me wonder, what it is about Christmas that draws us home?

My architectural leaning is that there maybe comfort in knowing that our homes offer SHELTER from the storm.  As the darkness of winter looms, maybe we are naturally drawn to the warmth of the fire and protection from the elements.  The safety of being able to look out from your own space is very powerful, particularly at the moment.  Or maybe, as my heart suggests, perhaps it is more than that.  Maybe it is knowing that you have friends and family to share space with, to share your hopes and dreams.

Sharing Stories 

Our Scandinavian counterparts are keen on the concept of “Hygge” which embraces the thought of cosiness and contentment through simple things.  A philosophy that helps them through many a dark night and one we can all relate to. The dark nights give us the chance to harbour down with our families and reflect.  Reflect on a tough year and to share stories.  Sharing stories around a fire or a Christmas tree seems to give them new meaning, more power.  Maybe putting a physical marker on a moment creates memory, gives them resonance.

Ironically it is the temporary and impermanent nature of Christmas that I find the most frustrating.  The good old festive glow is sadly fleeting.  The Christmas tree, once so important, is cast asunder, the carefully wrapped presents lost in seconds.  Maybe we should be more precious about these things, about our time together. Maybe we should take time to understand why they matter so much and recognise the space Christmas creates for our souls.

Changing Spaces

What you will notice over the festive period is that your house is quickly turned upside down. The dining room becomes the playroom, the study someone’s bedrooms, whilst the garage plays host to a turkey. Spaces seem to be adapted to accommodate need. Space is made available to a Christmas Tree, a mother-in-law* and a whole menagerie of closely-related animals that have also decided to stay. Kids turn sofas into grottos whilst Mums and Dads find shelter in the rugby or “Back to the Future”.

Christmas gives us the chance to reflect, to see and shape space differently.  The question is, what space do you need? When you’ve got your feet up by the log fire, in the new space you have created, maybe there is something you like, that you might want to keep. Or maybe you notice there is another space that isn’t doing as much as for you as it might?

What matters most about the architecture of Christmas, is not the space you create, but the people you accommodate.  The more the merrier (covid restrictions pending).  If we can make time and space for people at Christmas perhaps there is hope for us and our houses when working from home or during the next lockdown.

Working from Home

Whatever your plans, make sure you make the most of your space this Christmas.  Put your feet up and think differently. Rather than letting lifestyle magazines dictate how you use a space why not take a moment to think about how your space can adapt to your lifestyle?  Now there is no turkey in the garage, what else could it be used for (the mother-in-law?).  Rather than take the decorations down, why not keep them up, keep your spirits up. Rather than say goodbye at the end of the season, why not give more time and space to each other throughout the year. One thing is for certain, it is important that we all make room for living in 2022!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

Whilst I’ll be home for Christmas, four walls and a roof may be out of reach for many. In the interest of goodwill and hygge and in the support of those that aren’t looking forward to Christmas you can DONATE to SHELTER by clicking on the link.

* My mother-in-law is really quite nice and I certainly wouldn’t think to put her in the garage.

 

Furloughed Space

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Over the course of this past year, many people have had to get used to the idea of redundancy.  That is a job, idea, business or even a way of life that no longer exists.  Redundancy is tough and often leads you to question the reasons behind it as well as your own ability.

Strangely our experience of furlough and this pandemic are not so different to being made redundant. Having suffered redundancy* first-hand, I recognise that it can leave you feeling emotionally bereft and without purpose. The support schemes, set up to reassure, now disguise what we all know is going on behind the scenes.  The reality is that we are all on edge, stuck in limbo, anticipating the inevitable but afraid of making the jump.

[Read more…] about Furloughed Space

In-Between

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We often overlook our environment as we pass by.  However, it is the spaces in-between that form part of our journey which tend to be the most interesting.  The adventure of architecture is not in making one-off beautiful buildings, but seeing how they relate to the landscape and to one another.

It is the spaces and shapes of the in-between that tantalise, the sculptural play of light from object to object, the collective coming together of design and effort.  It is the conversation between two forms that makes the architecture.  This is most prevalent in the city, where the history of a place is captured in a moment.

A compressed medieval passageway leading to a meteoric, manmade skyscraper is what makes the built environment so exciting.  The in-between space is encapsulated by the cobbles underfoot coupled with the glint of light of a unitised glazing system.  The surging symphony of the shapes around, the touch of a damp old walls, a steep level change, the weather, the sound, all bubble over to speak of an architecture of sensation.

Much like a still life, architecture is the meeting of objects and forms that connect in their similarity by arbitrary arrangement.  It is in the shadow, and in colour and contrast that their relationship to one another is expressed.  “Half shut your eyes” I was told by my art teacher, “… take in the outline, the silhouettes, the shadows, then turn to draw textures.”  If you want to see space differently, now is the time to take the magic potion.  Imagine yourself 1/100th of your normal size, walking amongst the old lantern, the pepper pot and the baseball bat.

You are now experiencing the architecture of still life.  Time to explore what the in-between space feels like.  Large and foreboding, or intimate and cosy, what factors are at play?  I suspect you will find they are the same factors that define our built environment: surface, light, natural colour and form.

It is all very well defining the contained spaces inside, but a real place maker looks outside their box to the shadows of the past, to the collective consciousness of a place, and to the meetings of these buildings.  When you are next out and about, take a moment, half shut your eyes, look at the in-between spaces, look up and you may just begin to see space differently.

Competition Launch

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As we break from the monotony of lockdown SCRACE ARCHITECTS are launching a competition to encourage you to FRAME A VIEW and look ahead to a new world beyond.

It is safe to say that we are all in need of a fresh outlook after this crisis.  Staring out of our own little boxes has become a favourite past time and may help us connect the world outside.  This is not a new concept but has become more relevant since we have all been stuck indoors.  A view enables us all to think beyond the limits of our gardens and our flats to the wider world.

To help us begin to think again about what is over the horizon we would like you and your families to take a photo or draw your favourite view from your home, home office or shed.

Don’t be afraid to abstract and present your image in whichever way you like.  When we are designing buildings, sculptures or spaces we try to imagine what you might see from a particular perspective. For example, the montage above is a combination of a painting and the view from a real project.  In our practice we paint to see and shape space differently.

Over the next month we will offer tips on how to approach your designs via twitter and Instagram @timscrace and via a podcast.  Our blog also has an article on about how to frame a view.  Please share your pictures and follow us on social media using #frameaview #scracearchitects @scrace_arch.

Happy snapping and stay safe!

Competition – FRAME A VIEW

 

Competition

By

As we break from the monotony of lockdown SCRACE ARCHITECTS are launching a competition to encourage you to FRAME A VIEW and look ahead to a new world beyond. 

It is safe to say that we are all in need of a fresh outlook after this crisis.  Staring out of our own little boxes has become a favourite past time and may help us connect the world outside.  This is not a new concept but has become more relevant since we have all been stuck indoors.  A view enables us all to think beyond the limits of our gardens and our flats to the wider world. 

To help us begin to think again about what is over the horizon we would like you and your families to take a photo or draw your favourite view from your home, home office or shed.

Don’t be afraid to abstract and present your image in whichever way you like.  When we are designing buildings, sculptures or spaces we try to imagine what you might see from a particular perspective. For example, the montage above is a combination of a painting and the view from a real project.  In our practice we paint to see and shape space differently.

Over the next month we will offer tips on how to approach your designs via twitter and Instagram @timscrace and via a podcast.  Our blog also has an article on about how to frame a view.  Please share your pictures and follow us on social media using #frameaview #scracearchitects @scrace_arch.

FOLLOW

We have chosen some exciting prizes from some fantastic businesses to reflect and feed on the more positive benefits of breaking cover.  Click on names below for direct links to prizes.

Prizes

  • Finch Cottage – Getaway for 7 in character property – Spend more quality time with family and friends.
  • Naked Wine Summer Essentials 15 Bottle Mixed Case – Celebrate a new beginning by investing in craftmanship.
  • Messums – Lunch at the Mess – Immerse yourself in the best Arts, Culture and countryside.
  • Chessington World of Adventure Day Ticket – A rollercoaster helps puts things in perspective – Have fun!
  • Downton Gin Distillery – Bottle of Explorer – Don’t be afraid to explore, be adventurous.

The best image submitted by the following age groups will also win a fantastic prize:

  • 9-17        Noble Arts Supplies £25 voucher > Express yourself creatively @salisburyNAS!
  • 0-8          Rocketship Bookshop £25 voucher > Think big and get ready for a new world @rshipbshop!

HAPPY SNAPPING AND STAY STAFE

Terms & Conditions

Scrace Architects Ltd would like to stay in touch by keeping your contact details securely on file. We use this information to maintain good levels of communications in the day-to-day operation of the business as well as update you on new projects and the services we offer.  We will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent.  In your response to the competittion and if agreeable we would welcome your consent to the use of your details for this purpose i.e. I consent to receive emails about Scrace Architects Ltd.  

Each image will be judged by the Scrace Architects team.  Results will be announced at the end of August to hopefully coincide with a safer world.  One image per applicant i.e. sketch, painting or photo.  If you want to submit more, highlight your preferred option.  Entry to the competitions is restricted to one entry per person and 5 applications per household.  Multiple, bulk entries will be disqualified. Email tim@scracearchitects.co.uk or info@scracearchitects.co.uk by 12pm on 31st August 2020 with your entries. 

Please remember to: –

  1. Attach an image in .jpeg format
  2. Clearly state NAME, AGE, TITLE and MEDIA.
  3. And if you’re happy please add – I consent to receive emails about Scrace Architects Ltd.

Please note that the Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to.  In general, prizes must be redeemed before 31st December 2020. Prizes do not include travel. No cash alternative will be offered and prizes are non-transferable. All parties involved reserve the right to change the prize to an alternative or similar value without notice if circumstances beyond their control require it to do so. Scrace Architects Ltd and other parties will not be liable for loss or damage whatsoever caused by matters arising from this promotion. Winners of items 1-5 must be a UK resident over the age of 18. Please note that we may use photos and other identifying features of the winners / entrants for promotion purposes.

T’s & C’s relating to prizes 

Finch Cottage is a 200-year old building in Wilsford Cum Lake, Salisbury which has been renovated to a very high standard. It has 3 bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. There is plenty of parking and an abundance of lovely country walks in the Stonehenge World Heritage site.  Click on name with link above or visit www.finchcottage.co.uk.

  1. The FRAME A VIEW competition winner will win: An overnight stay at Finch Cottage for a maximum of 7 guests.  Prize must be redeemed before 31st January 2021 (excluding bank holidays and public holidays), subject to availability. Finch Cottage serves a continental-style breakfast. The prize does not include travel. No cash alternative will be offered and the prize is non-transferable. Finch Cottage reserves the right to change the prize to an alternative or similar value without notice if circumstances beyond their control require it to do so. Finch Cottage will not be liable for loss or damage whatsoever caused by matters arising from this promotion. The winner must be a UK resident over the age of 18. All house rules are to be adhered to during your stay.
  2. Naked Wine case as described on the website limited to value of £150 to be delivered to allocated UK address.
  3. The Mess Restaurant and Bar Gift Voucher to the value of £25 at Messums.  Lunches are on Friday, Saturday and Sundays in the Mess. 
  4. Chessington World of Adventure Day Ticket as described on the website limited to value of £29.50 based on online booking of ticket.
  5. Downton Gin Distillery 700ml Bottle of “Explorer” Contemporay London Dry Gin as described on the website limited to value of £40.

          Other prizes from Rocketship Bookshop and Noble Art Supplies limited in value as described above.

Recalibration

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As a profession, architects are obsessed with detail and engineering. More recently they have turned their attention to business, and building information modelling systems. Whilst rigorous quality-control-driven systems of manufacture are finally having a positive effect on the profitability of architectural businesses, they seem to be having a negative effect on the profundity of our buildings.  What price do you place on a building’s soul?

Gripped by templates and performance, it feels like architecture itself is on the cusp of losing its soul. Once again, and somewhat regrettably, we have realised a utopian vision where buildings, detail and finishes matter more than people. People change people’s lives, not buildings.

In an industry where sustainability remains an excuse to charge clients more for solar panels or insulation, the products of practice and industry are detached from living. Homes and extensions are ‘show homes’ and lack character; commercial buildings are functional without form.

It’s time architects and their counterparts recognise that they have got things wrong, and take time to adjust their approach. We are not alone in taking accountability of this systemic situation but will need to lead if we are to affect an industry-wide change. A recalibration of practice and delivery is in order.

The design and construction process should put greater emphasis on creative thinking. Whether this is through abstraction of the brief, choice of sustainable materials, development of concept, or procurement method, the path to good architecture should not be so narrowly defined.

A natural compulsion to get the detail right is incumbent on any architect, but the process by which this is achieved varies enormously. Those interested in making great space appear to be returning to their roots for inspiration, to Arts and Crafts, to the Bauhaus. Throughout history, architects have been recognised for lateral thinking.

The assimilation of ideas over time, without destination, may offer a more fruitful approach to design, and therefore product. Whilst working with a diverse and skilled building team to craft a solution might help caress the souls of our homes, for me, expanding the profession’s remit beyond the built form – to community engagement, art and place-making – offers the most interesting and game-changing opportunities.

With even greater global access to knowledge and materials, architects should be able to make dramatic changes. The real question is: will the profession take enough time to reflect and act upon the strategic and creative changes necessary to generate this shift?

Painting gives me time to stand back. Without restrictions, what would you do differently? 

Comment – RECALIBRATION