George Lauder Bursary - Week 4

Monday 22nd June

• Monday was the final day we had to complete the Orient structure while also beginning to develop the Cliffhanger House project. I managed to get the main topographical structure built and then started thinking more seriously about how the Cliffhanger House could be incorporated into it.

• My original idea for the project was a large viewing platform based near where I was staying in Brooklyn Heights. The structure had different levels and viewing points that would allow people to look out across the surrounding area. However, this idea began to change as I looked further into the Cliffhanger House brief.

• We were given five possible occupant types and had to select three. One of the options was a scientist, but I felt that this was quite broad, so I decided to pick three different types of scientists instead.

• I spent most of the day planning who the scientists would be, what they would study and how the structure could support their different activities.

Tuesday 23rd June

• I went to class with a number of sketches showing how the Cliffhanger House could connect to my structure.

• Instead of designing a normal building, I decided to reuse the shell form from my previous project. This allowed the earlier shell task to become part of the final design rather than remaining as a separate project.

• The original viewing platform then developed into a research rig located in the ocean. The three occupants became a marine biologist, a bird scientist and an environmental scientist. Each scientist would use the structure for a different purpose and would have their own working and living area within the shell-shaped building.

• I spent the majority of Tuesday, both during studio time and afterwards, working on the drawings and model, as everything had to be completed for the final presentation the following day.

Wednesday 24th June

• I had all of my projects prepared to present to the guest critics. The presentation and critique went well, and it was useful to hear the critics’ thoughts on the project and how the ideas could potentially be developed further.

• After the presentation, I went back and watched the Scotland vs Brazil game. Unfortunately, it was another disappointing result. I knew most likely this was the end of our World Cup run but we still had a chance to qualify as one of the better third placed teams.

Thursday 25th June

• This was our final day at Pratt. Our professor invited us to spend the morning at an architects’ and artists’ breakfast at the Friedman Benda Gallery. It was a great opportunity to experience a more professional and social side of the architecture and art world.

• Afterwards, we visited the High Line and walked along it together. It was interesting to experience the project after discussing landscapes, reused infrastructure and public spaces throughout the course.

• We then returned to the studio for our individual exit interviews. During my interview, I received some useful advice about my work and how I could continue developing my architectural thinking. My lecturer also gave me a book that he had personally selected because he believed I would benefit from reading it.

• It was a thoughtful way to finish the course and made the final day feel much more personal.

Friday 26th June

• This was the first day in several weeks when I did not have any work that needed to be done.

• I spent most of the day relaxing and recovering after the pressure of finishing the projects and presenting them.

• In the evening, I met up with a few friends for some drinks before heading home and calling it a night.

Saturday 27th June

• I spent a lot of today walking around and taking in more of the city. As the Pratt course had finished, I had more time to explore without needing to rush back to work on a project.

• I also returned to Chinatown and got some food. It was good to revisit the area and try a different spot from last time

Sunday 28th June

• I spent time tidying my accommodation, resting and getting organised for the week to come as my mate from back home was coming to visit.

• It was also a chance to reflect on what I had taken from the Pratt course before beginning the next part of my experience at Columbia.