Studio Brief 1 - Wayfinding - John Thorp

Leeds Civic Architect: John Thorp

Managing towns is like an interactive chess game where the architect has to adapt new things around the existing architecture. Some things have to be removed in order for the space to work better as a whole. He describes his collaborations with a sculptor showing how disciplines can come together to create something new. He believes in preserving what has gone before which is also reflected in has work as an architect. By working with what exists he tries to make the best use of the area. He discusses how buildings create separate spaces which are new and how these spaces should flow between each other. The city and its architecture should be practical rather than just designed for aesthetics. There is a focus on heritage in his philosophy and using existing principles and traditions. He sees the history of buildings as an asset which he wants to emphasise not get rid of for a more modern structure. History provides eccentricities which do not fit into a standard format. The process of regenerating areas is very modular but also a natural progression. By working with the spaces available and making the best of what exists creates a responsive way of working. Making connections between places is important, this network of connections is like a grid or web. If a building is influential it will naturally be part of the foundations of the city and the city will build up around them. Good design should feel natural not designed. Historic routes naturally flow and should not be inhibited, ties should be made with these previous routes. New projects should create something for the city and become an asset, with the needs of the city coming first in any project. Old and new architecture can work together to enhance each other, this is done by drawing links between the two. People are able to understand an idea better if it is simplified into recognisable concepts, in his case analogies. Thorp discusses how there are still hidden things to be discovered which creates surprise in the viewer. The viewer has a sense of ownership if they find it for themselves.