part II architectural assistant
A Vessel for Contingency: A School for Coopers
University of Westminster, Masters (Part II): Year 01
Year: 2021
Location: Loch Lomond, Scotland, UK
Brief:
More than ever, there is a fundamental care for the planet. There is a care for the global environment and the protection of species. Why is there not the same persistence and urgency for the extinction of craftsmanship? Coopering and shipbuilding are two of Britain's oldest crafts and trades and are increasingly becoming endangered. A contingency plan is needed for the survival of Coopers & Timber Ship-builders. The project brief will be a new school and curriculum that nurtures the safeguards of the two crafts and vessels. The crafts have similar skills and materiality and will, therefore, be each other's contingency plans. 'ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak' the low road', (Loch Lomond Song) is the song of hope that allows the spirit to return to their homeland. The project encompasses this eulogy by enabling the project to be driven by the landscape. The autonomy of the Lochs differs between seasons, tides, and weather, all of which will be illustrated in the form and movement of the building. The 'Vessel' will breathe with the changing seasons, always returning the spirit to the landscape.
Beyond the Cask
More than ever, there is a fundamental care for the planet. There is a care for the global environment and the protection of species.
Why is there not the same persistency and urgency for the extinction of craftmanship?
Coopering is one of Britain's oldest crafts and trades. The craft dates back to Roman times from around 1AD. Unfortunately, with the introduction of metal casks and the ageing of Coopers, the craft will soon become a lost art. The craft lists itself on Historic England's’ Red List of Endangered Crafts’. In England, there is only one last remaining Master Cooper - Alastair Simms.
Traditional timber shipbuilding is also beginning to creep into the headlines and is on the projectory to the same fate.
The sectional illustration provides exploration of a how the life cycles can be addressed in a physical setting. The concept model to the right, begins to explore the seasoning process as an architectural element that further expresses the cradle to grave journey.
Continuing with the themes of seasons and ciruclar economy, the materiality of the product will further enrich the crafts of the two vessels whilst remaining rooted to the context. The majority of the project will be derived from elements of a tree, timber for structure, cork for structure and insulation, bark for cladding and tree resin (SAP) for glazing.
Copper has been introduced as it often used as fastenings in ship-building but also because it with enhance the imagery of a seasoning landscape.
