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Critical Subjects: Architecture & Design Winter School
think critically, design differently |
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Critical Subjects was a unique opportunity for 26 or so of the keenest students in the country to engage in a series of intellectual architectural design challenges facilitated by some of the leading names in the field.
Students were encouraged to develop their skills not only in design but in how to defend - rather than justify - their work. Hopefully the students reached the end of the school having acquired skills in using the armoury of argumentative styles and ideas.
The first mantownhuman 24-hour Winter School comprised a day of debate followed by an all-night design exercise. Effectively 26 architecture students from 22 universities across the UK were held in a windowless, airless basement and given a hard time... but seem to have enjoyed it. (see images)
STUDENTS' COMMENTS: I found the event completely inspiring, both in terms of its initial ambition and content. I left with a real feeling of having been a part of something worthwhile and uniquely dynamic. A breath of fresh air. Francis Field, Nottingham (Design Winner)
I found the Winter school an incredible experience. I found the debates and talks extremely thought-provoking and interesting. It was an honour meeting so many highly acclaimed professionals in the architecture field. I've come away from the event with an even stronger passion in Architecture. Mary Denman, Liverpool (Design Winner)
It was a very interesting (not to mention fun) event! It really re-ignited my interest in architecture. Andrew Ng, Dundee
Had a great time, it was especially nice to have the input of such a diverse range of experts, not just from the field of architecture...Great day, great prize, great opportunity. Rowan Morrice, Robert Gordon, Aberdeen (Overall Winner*)
The whole experience was worth it, I had an amazing time, as well as learning so much (and it made me much more confident about voicing my own opinion). Sarah Shuttleworth, Newcastle
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that we had such an amazing time at the WinterSchool - thoroughly stimulating experience and a lot of fun too. It was great to have an open debate and be able to freely express ourselves in a semi informal way. . Simhika Rao, Edinburgh
It may not have been the easiest 24 hours but it was well worth doing and I'm really interested in future events and, I would even go as far as to say that I'd do it again. I felt it was not only that the speakers were really interesting but was great to actually discuss ideas not just have them spoken at you, and especially for an event associated with architecture that it was really well run. Josh Broomer, Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow
Thank you for such an interesting and valuable 24 hours. The school really helped me question my approach in every aspect. I have never been so energised by such a tiring experience! David S Jones, Oxford Brookes
Just wanted to say a big thank you again - finally caught up on some sleep and have been able to fully appreciate the winter school. It was a fantastic session - a great way to share ideas and develop thoughts beyond that of the university institution. My ideas are now overflowing! Much appreciated, Ashley Ball, Leeds Metropolitan
I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity and organizing the event. It was an extremely rewarding experience. Andrew Green, Lincoln
I just wanted to thank you again for a really productive couple of days. It was great to here from speakers, and the chance to question there logic! I really appreciate your enthusiasm and effort you put into the event and I thought it was very successful. Thanks for including me. Hopefully we will encounter each other again in the future. Holly Hayward, Brighton
I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend the design school last week. I did not know what to expect and found it to be an enjoyable and challenging experience. The range of topics discussed was a fantastic insight into some of the issues which architects need to consider. I hope it will make the choices in my design work more informed in the future. Nicola Perrett, UCL
I think the kind of discussion that we had last week in London would really add volumes to the architectural culture, and am very keen to nurture it. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for accepting me to the winter school, it was a truly exciting experience and one that I will remember for a very long time. Rory Stott, Newcastle
I believe that a huge thank you is in order for giving me the opportunity to attend the Winter School. It has really opened my eyes to the questions surrounding architecture which are rarely asked, and has encouraged me to develop a much stronger attitude to architecture as a whole. The school really has sparked something inside me, I have began to write, or more importantly to think, more freely. As soon as I have harnessed these thoughts into any legible writings, I will surely be in touch again. John Brown, Strathclyde
I would like to thank you for this unforgettable experience... There were a lot of stimulating and inspiring ideas to be digested afterwards, which triggered me further to look for theories and current issues... I have an urge to apply the working methods I learnt to my school design projects, since I believe bringing in historical references intensifies critical thinking and hence richness of a project. I have learnt so much, and I am sure more is coming in the future because of it. Thank you so so much for organising the Winter School and giving me this opportunity, I think the Winter School has successfully raised awareness which is vital in education and in society. Edith Fung, Cardiff
I really appreciate the efforts that (mantownhuman) went through to organise the event. I still reflect on the conversations we had; on a weekly basis! Lionel Eid, Architectural Association,
SPEAKERS'/ JUDGES' COMMENTS: It was a privilege to engage with the best and brightest students. I left with more thoughts than I brought with me. It is distinctly possible that the future of architecture and the city could be more cheerful than I had imagined. Ray Tallis, physician, poet and polymath
Well done on organising such a fantastic event! John McRae, director, ORMS Architecture Design
Thank you! I really enjoyed taking part…what a fantastic event it turned out to be. Vicky Richardson, director, Architecture, Design, Fashion, British Council
I enjoyed the Winter School. It is important to have such debates – not only with students. Patrik Schumacher, partner, Zaha Hadid Architects.
I was privileged to attend the mantownhuman’s "Critical Subjects: Architecture & DesignWinterSchool". I was stimulated and challenged until my brain hurt. I stayed long after my own session had ended. Michael Owens, strategic planning, development policy and urban regeneration advisor.
I was delighted to help and amazed, knowing yoof, that they took what I had to say seriously!... What you were doing is admirable. Michael Estorick, founder, Estorick Gallery
I had a blast! Preparing for it was great and the event exceeded all my expectations. Thanks for inviting me. Ximo Peris, Creative Director, CrystalCG
I enjoyed it very much! It was about generosity. Colin Fournier, co-architect with Peter Cook of the Kunsthaus Graz
Well done for organising, it was a very successful event and the students all seemed to get a lot out of it. Brian Eckersley, director, Eckersley O’Callaghan Structural Design
Good fun… I was very impressed given the short timescale and seriously impressed with your dedication. Don't hesitate to ask again… I thought it very much worth it. Thanks for asking me to help, was a pleasure. Amin Taha, Amin Taha Architects
I enjoyed the session very much and thought the engagement from the students was fantastic. I'd be very happy to do it again. Munira Mirza, director of arts, culture and the creative industries for the Mayor of London
I liked the way that it mixed up parts of the country and broke down silly silos that exist around schools. The students I talked to said they would keep in touch with each other. Cany Ash, director, Ash Sakula
It was brilliant and we loved it. Ben Pentreath, The Three Classicists
mantownhuman is: Austin Williams, Alastair Donald and Karl Sharro More information is available on www.mantownhuman.org mantownhuman@gmail.com
07957 534909
mantownhuman Critical Subjects: Architecture & DesignWinterSchool November 17 – 18th
The Advisory/ Judging Panel included: Edwin Heathcote, architecture and design critic, Financial Times; Matthew Collings, writer and presenter of This is Modern Art, and host of Channel 4's Turner Prize coverage; Vicky Richardson, director, Architecture, Design & Fashion, British Council; Peter Kelly, editor, Blueprint; Amin Taha, Amin Taha Architects; Cany Ash, Ash Sakula; Pauline Hadaway, director, Belfast Exposed; Cathy Slessor, editor, The Architectural Review; Nadim Karam, founder, Atelier Hapsitus [Beirut]; Munira Mirza, director, Arts, Culture & the Creative Industries for the Mayor of London; Rafael Vinoly, founder, Rafael Vinoly Architects; Kristen Richards, editor-in-chief, Oculus and ArchNewsNow.com [New York]; Jonathan Glancey, architecture and design correspondent, The Guardian; Kate Goodwin, architecture programme curator, Royal Academy; Enrique Norten, principal, TEN Arquitectos (New York/ Mexico City); Lise Anne Couture, principal, Asymptote Architecture (New York); Joe Ewart, founder, graphic design studio, Society; Tim Marlow, creative director at White Cube; writer/ presenter Tim Marlow on..;. Michael Sorkin, founder, Michael Sorkin Studio; director of the graduate urban design program at New York's City College; Gilane Tawadros, chief executive, Design and Artists Copyright Society; Gordon Murray, founder, Gordon Murray Architects; past president, RIAS; chair, SCHOSA (Standing Conference of Heads of Schools of Architecture);
John McRae, director, ORMS;
Brian Eckersley, Eckersley O' Callaghan Structural Design
Guest performance from the "New Palladians" (Ben Pentreath, George Saumarez Smith and Francis Terry) constructing a major work over the course of the day.
*Blueprint commissioned the winner of the overall challenge, Rowan Morrice, to visit and review an example of contemporary European architecture.
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CONDITIONS
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