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As we begin to move further into the projects, the complexities of a design+build process start to manifest themselves even more, a pattern that I am sure will continue throughout the semester as our investigations bring us to new levels of enlightenment about ourselves and our roles as architects. The way that we graft a new "organism" into the existing fabric of that community must be delicate and must be approached with an attitude of genuine stewardship. Our discoveries can be compared to those of technological developers in that to be able to operate efficiently we will rely on the progress made by other academic design+build endeavors; the Cumulative Property of Technology. One of the most notable in the US is the Rural Studio in Newbern Alabama. On Thursday, January 24th, 2008 the Stewardship South Studio traveled to Newbern to experience the way in which the Rural Studio approaches design+build first hand. Upon arrival the most astonishing aspect of the program is the magnitude of the remote location. The word rural is almost an understatement when comparin
g what could be labeled rural and Newbern. It was incredible how humble the place was with an undeniable disregard to its national reputation. There was nothing cutting edge about the facilities but instead they possessed an unusually rugged atmosphere. I almost wondered if the students were aware of exactly what they were getting themselves into when they applied. Before seeing the work the studio produces, I thought the students may have been a little disappointed with the resources upon arrival. But in hindsight, the aesthetic and program of Newbern is probably crucial to the bond between the students and the work produced there. Rather than a single building with a different rooms, the Rural Studio constitutes and entire rural community in which different buildings along a central thruway house the different components of a "studio facility." I think this emphasizes the ability to work within a community while being conscious and aware of the consequences of each implementation.
While I have been left with much to ponder since returning from Alabama, most of which concerns how the studio responds to those who feel they have the priviledge to impose expectations upon it, I will reserve those thoughts until I have had a chance to further digest them.
Significant architecture must be a response to the context in which it finds itself. Each of the two sites, Clemson's Jaycee Park and Pendleton's Hundred's site, already possess a history that is defined by the way in which humans have encountered and used them. The ambiance of each is credited to this interactivity while each can also be viewed in the broader context of its surroundings. The way in which each site situates itself in these communities, in both location and use, is a product of this interactivity. As designers, we have the ability, and more often than not, the responsibility to manipulate this ambiance. To first become intimately familiar with what the place is will inform our architectural approach to allow us to make delicate and decisive moves towards a design that ultimately serves the people. In the Clemson site, the design should serve, not only by protecting against chosen elements of the natural world, but should inform the public of the importance of sustainability and where Clemson can tap into this global awareness. In Pendleton, the history of a place that is cherished by many, will be memorialized with respect.In this particular instance we, the Stewardship South Studio students, have the privilege as Clemson residents to be a layer of the immediate fabric that constitutes the context of the Clemson Pavilion. It is beneficial to experience first hand the environment on which we will graft our creation. There are influences, that are becoming apparent, which accompany a design build process that have been able to be overlooked in previous studio work. Within the chronological confines of this semester, by which decisiveness is crucial, there will be a product. At some point, we will be forced to make. I shouldn't use the word force because, I know, we are all eager to build what we design, but it is a new experience to result in an absolute rather than leaving possibilities for infinite change as in studio work. What we do here WILL impact this community, for better or worse, and we will be responsible for that impact. We are held accountable by the city, its leaders, its citizens, the university, our peers, and most importantly to ourselves. It is a delicate balance that lies within personal benefit through learning and the practicality as it is viewed by the users of the space. I want to make something that Clemson will be proud of. Something that is worth writing about, but I want it to be worth writing about because the people who it affects are enlightened by its existence.
g what could be labeled rural and Newbern. It was incredible how humble the place was with an undeniable disregard to its national reputation. There was nothing cutting edge about the facilities but instead they possessed an unusually rugged atmosphere. I almost wondered if the students were aware of exactly what they were getting themselves into when they applied. Before seeing the work the studio produces, I thought the students may have been a little disappointed with the resources upon arrival. But in hindsight, the aesthetic and program of Newbern is probably crucial to the bond between the students and the work produced there. Rather than a single building with a different rooms, the Rural Studio constitutes and entire rural community in which different buildings along a central thruway house the different components of a "studio facility." I think this emphasizes the ability to work within a community while being conscious and aware of the consequences of each implementation.