URBAN H²0: SITUATED PRACTICE & THEORETICAL RESEARCH

Exploring the intersection between theoretical research and site realities.

(December 2020)

Context: After establishing the theoretical backbone of my thesis project, this section of early research explores alternative forms of architectural practice and reserach methods.

Using photography, film and performative methods, I was able to “think whilst doing”, plus rehearse small acts of rebellion against the plutocratic riverside !

“H20 is the new stuff, [...] H20 and water have become opposites. H20 is a social creation of modern times, a resource that is scarce and that calls for technical management. It is an observed fluid that has lost the
ability to mirror the water of dreams. [...] Water can no more be observed; it can only be imagined, by reflecting on an occasional drop or a humble puddle”

- I. Illich

My major project proposal (Seeking Serotonin) focuses on saving the city from becoming dull and its inhabitants morose.

I argue that hermetic neighbourhoods, such as the new development around the Fulham & Chelsea waterfront (see video), contribute to the “dull-iffication” and commodification of the city and its spaces of opportunity. Not only do they re-affirm broken systems, these developments drive prices up and seal off opportunities for those who cannot afford or do not conform to the norms, values, fashion of the predominant inhabitants.

Is it too late to reclaim the city from the shadows of plutocracy? As an act of resistance, I intend to probe the windows of opportunity offered by the waterfront in order to offer alternative futures centred around care, creativity and pleasure.

Since questioning our detachment to water in cities (Cartography of a Colander), I have incorporated daily visits to the Thames as part of my research practice. Finding new ways of interacting with the water and mapping natural rhythms against artificial ones has been my primary focus over the past few weeks.

Fragmented Studio Drawing

Sculpture in Solitude

Submerged Structure

Doing It For The Thrill

A fragment of the shared studio drawing, taken to Battersea beach. Hung near the bridge (southern bank) on safety grab chains.

Early one morning, I sat, alone, in peace under Battersea Bridge (southern bank).

I carved driftwood and balanced stones on a large branch. The tide was rising as I pursued my activities.

The silence and the stillness was enchanting.
Eventually, I said goodbye to the river and gifted my achievements to the waters.

Note: Mudlarking on the foreshores requires a permit. This experiment explores one way to interact with a site without adding or taking anything away.

The small rectangular structure was made with bricks and stones collected from the foreshore (southern bank) near Battersea Bridge.

Initially, the experiment was to understand the strength of the tide. After 24h, I returned to photograph what remained. Surprisingly, there was less disturbance that expected.

The purpose of the video, was to be able to observe the tide submerge the stones one at a time. The ephemerality of the event was pleasent.

Note: Inspired by the work of Gonzalo Fonseca, carving into rock in the wild, I would like to craft a small receptacle for this site. The hollows would remain full with water as the tide draws out. These small pools would then be release back to the Thames when the tide rises again. Or use gabions to form a temporary structure...

Thrill

noun:
- a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.
- a wave or nervous tremor of emotion or sensation.

verb:
- cause (someone) to have a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.

Opposite:
-bore

Closer observations of water:

Closer observations of the waterfront: