The challenge faced by the students centred on the difficulty of integrating an important civic space and structure into a relatively humble setting. At what point does a building charged with elevating a location become conspicuous and alienating to its context? Can the spaces between buildings unify disparate parts and uses into a coherent character, and is this even desirable?
As ever, the response by students was broad and unexpected. For some, the very nature of the square was challenged, questioning the role of civic space in the modern settlement. Others looked to reconnect with qualities of public space that were felt lost in the late 20th century, be that an egalitarian social space or a centre for grass-roots commerce.
Perhaps inevitably, each position a student could take had an equally powerful opposite. Those who imposed a strong vision on the site struggled to resolve the contradictory qualities of the existing space. Conversely, students who sensitively addressed edge conditions and uses had difficulty in giving meaning to this important civic centre. The most successful students understood that this task has no correct solution but, by addressing the challenge with sensitivity and diligence, they can create meaningful places that enrich the lives of others.
Students
Ismail Ahmed, Breanna Alleyne, Kardelen Cil, Hiba Kashif, Arda Koc, Lazar Ruvidic, Henrikas Seilius, Henna Shah, Ella Webster, Meena Zahawi
Cyrus Aguilar, Deniz Altug, Jennifer Choto Freire, Sevval Kaplankiran, Shivani Ladwa, Krina Ruparel, Samyukta Velekat Rajappan, Longelini Vemba
Studio Tutors
Thom Bates & Edward Farleigh
Guest Critic
Alice Shepherd