Book: Architecture in Scotland 2006-2008, Building Biographies

This book was published as part of The Lighthouse's recent 'Building Biographies' exhibition. A series of contemporary Scottish buildings are presented alongside examples from Switzerland, Austria and Norway to give them some international scope - looking outwards for inspiration as much as inwards. Most of the projects adopt a sort of critical regionalist approach and raise issues within the Scottish architecture scene such as culture, identity, place and globalisation. Seven essays focusing on Scotland's current situation are also included. A project by one of my tutors, Gokay Devici, is present, as is an essay by one of our guest tutors, Neil Gillespie of Reiach + Hall. With 208 pages and a £12 price tag this book is definitely worth picking up!

Buy @ The Lighthouse

http://www.thelighthouse.co.uk/

Reiach + Hall, Pier Arts Centre, Stromness, Orkney

I visited the Pier Arts Centre by Reiach + Hall as part of my dissertation research last year. After a choppy ferry ride from Scrabster I was greeted by heavy rain in Stromness - not untypical of the area! The Pier Arts Centre did not disappoint on any level however, as well as being a great piece of contemporary Scottish architecture; the art collection it houses is also exceptional. The pieces of particular interest to me were the ones which directly inspired the design of the new extension.

http://www.reiachandhall.co.uk/

Los Campesinos!, We Are Beautiful We Are Doomed

With the sun beginning to come out again, I can't think of a more suitable band to be listening to. Los Campesinos! are a Welsh seven piece boy/girl band hailing from Cardiff. This is their second album released in 2008 (their debut Hold On Now, Youngster... was also released in 2008 - brave) We Are Beautiful We Are Doomed 'is a thrilling madcap whirlwind of sound, words, and voices that by the end leaves you feeling like you've been engulfed in an indie pop-driven hurricane!' Energetic and simply awesome!

http://www.myspace.com/loscampesinos

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Gareth Hoskins, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Inverness

'On 16 April 1746 the last pitched battle fought on British soil took place on this bleak moor near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. The Jacobite uprising led by the exiled “Bonnie” Prince Charles Edward Stuart was devastatingly defeated by the government troops. This not only marked the beginning of the end of the traditional Highland way of life, it still evokes more emotions than any other historic place in Scotland.'

'In 2004 GHA won the competition for new visitor facilities and interpretive landscaping of the battlefield site for the National Trust for Scotland. The new £9m visitor centre houses interpretation of the battle, its prehistory and aftermath. It also includes educational and conference facilities, café, restaurant, shop and staff accommodation. The project was completed in Scotland’s Year of Highland Culture 2007, and was officially opened on the anniversary of the battle in 2008.'

http://www.garethhoskinsarchitects.co.uk/

Book: Some Ideas for Living in London and Tokyo, Stephen Taylor + Ryue Nishizawa

This is the accompanying book to the 'Some Ideas for Living in London and Tokyo' exhibition put on by the Canadian Centre for Architecture. Stephen Taylor of Stephen Taylor Architects and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA present a handful of their residential projects (realised and unrealised) from their native countries backed by writings of their architectural thinking and design ethos. Included also is an interview with the two architects and two essays regarding their work by Peter Allison and Giovanna Borasi respectively. A very interesting read.

http://perspectivesdevie.org/lang/en/

http://www.stephentaylorarchitects.co.uk/

http://www.ryuenishizawa.com/

Page/Park, Maggie's Centre, Inverness

http://www.pagepark.co.uk/

http://www.maggiescentres.org/

The Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha

This is The Appleseed Cast's recently released sixth album. They are a band who seem to keep getting better and better with time; their early releases are quintessentially 90's emo and have since gradually moved into experimental post-rock territory. The latest album offers songs averaging around 6-7 minutes, most of which are purely instrumental with sparse lyrics coming and going. A brilliant album from a brilliant band who are well worth checking out, both old and new!

http://www.myspace.com/theappleseedcast

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Reiach + Hall, Upperstrand Residential, Granton, Edinburgh

This residential scheme was a stones throw from my flat in Edinburgh, so as soon as the project was finished I decided to snap some photographs of it. The scheme utilises stark white brick walls and pale concrete panels complemented by cedar cladding in the recesses of the balconies and some public areas on the ground floor. With views onto the Firth of Forth in one direction and into the city of Edinburgh in the other, it is a very well situated scheme. I also really liked the idea of the decoration imprinted in the concrete residential garden walls as part of the forming process.

http://www.reiachandhall.co.uk/

http://www.upperstrand.co.uk/

Venice Biennale Art 2007, Part 2

Some more photographs from 2007's Art Biennale in Venice.

http://www.labiennale.org/en/art/

Worst Thing About Venice: PIGEONS!

Venice Biennale Art 2007, Part 1

I thought I would post some photographs taken at 2007's Art Biennale in Venice. I travelled over with some fellow students as a sort of study trip/break from studio. Lots of intersting stuff, lots of strange stuff and lots of walking! I loved Venice though, it's perhaps my favourite city that I've visited so far.

http://www.labiennale.org/en/art/

Best Thing About Venice: ICE CREAM!

There Will Be Fireworks

I have been listening to this Glaswegian bunch an awful lot lately! They are difficult to pin a style on; their post-rock style reminds me a little of Mogwai or Aereogramme only a little more accessible. Scottish accentuated vocals (of course) matched by thoughtful lyrics put the icing on the cake. With their debut album just around the corner and a spanking new video for 'Midfield Maestro' recently finished one may predict big things. Is post-rock still relevant?... by the sounds of this, YES!

There Will Be Fireworks - 'Midfield Maestro' Video

http://www.myspace.com/therewillbefireworks

gm+ad, Telford Drive Social Housing, Edinburgh

Took these photographs of gm+ad's housing scheme when I was on my placement year in Edinburgh, as they weren't too far from where I lived. 'The development brings together three landlocked sites previously under different ownership, to establish a strong sense of community and identity for future residents. The existing residential units currently back onto an area of overgrown waste ground. The new housing units and associated landscaping acts as a catalyst for improving the local environment. A proposed tram stop at the rear of the site will when implemented will enhance the permeability of the site and links to the wider community.'

http://www.murraydunloparchitects.com

Book: Papers 2, Sergison Bates architects

I found this hard-to-come-by book by Sergison Bates at the Venice Bienalle bookshop. Having been taught by Jonathan Sergison in my third year at the Scott Sutherland School of architecture, to much of my enjoyment, I did not hesitate to buy the book!

'The book is a collection of illustrated papers written between 2002 and 2007. Some were written as a result of self-imposed discipline, others were prepared as lectures, to support their teaching practice, to highlight a particular theme or encourage a way of looking at something. Others were written as contributions towards symposia, conferences and publications, or in response to invitations to speak publicly about their work. They address reflections on their own position within architectural discourse, on the process of making buildings, on some of the ideas that recur in their work and on aspects of place.'

Buy at Prairie Avenue Bookshop
(I couldn't find it available anywhere in the UK!)

http://www.sergisonbates.co.uk/

Video: David Chipperfield, BBC Headquarters, Glasgow

http://www.davidchipperfield.co.uk/

LDN architects, Cafe Camino, Edinburgh

I stumbled across this building by accident but found it pretty surprising. Situated in the courtyard of St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh it 'demonstrates the potential of efficient modern design to sit comfortably in a tight urban setting and to offer real practical gains for the church and the wider public.' The accommodation, created on the site of an existing car park to the south of the Cathedral, provides a fully accessible multi-purpose hall, meeting room and café, available for use by the local community. The paninis weren't too bad either.

www.ldn.co.uk

American Football - Self Titled

American Football have now unfortunately split. This however does not impair the brilliance of this album. One of my most listened to albums in 2008 it presents 'twinkly guitars and polyrhythms carefully and lovingly sculpted into a whirlwind of sounds and textures but they shade their lilting melodies with an undercurrent of melancholy that adds depth without becoming maudlin.'

www.myspace.com/amfootball

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Herzog + De Meuron, Railway Engine Depot + Signal Box, Basel

Book: Architecture, Craft + Culture, John Tuomey

'This small and beautiful book, concerning both material culture and the history of ideas in architecture, recalls the pensive meditations of Alvar Aalto, Peter Zumthor and Alvaro Siza, similar architect-teachers to whom Tuomey refers, and who share his sense of social responsibility and a more private vision.

At once philosophical and poetic, Tuomey's argument is bookended by two juxtapositions: firstly, the strange relationship between the autonomous aspects of architecture, such as the discipline of structure, on the one hand, and the vernacular tradition of construction and craft on the other. Secondly, the tension between what Séamus Heaney calls, ‘two orders of knowledge, the practical and the poetic', which Tuomey seeks to reconcile as a sense of personal duty to the ethical function of architecture.'

Buy at RIBA Bookshop

Reiach + Hall, Silvermills, Edinburgh

http://www.reiachandhall.co.uk/

Miller + Maranta, Volta Schulhaus, Basel

http://www.millermaranta.ch/

Book: Sean Godsell, Works + Projects

I recently bought this book about the work of Sean Godsell. I'm considering a move to Australia and thought I should have a more in depth look at some well known architects the country has produced outwith Glenn Murcutt.

'Considered one of his country's leading young talents, Sean Godsell has built a reputation outside of his native Australia for his houses - from the couture to the assembly line. While his elegant Carter Tucker House, a weekend retreat designed for a photographer and his partner, is a glass box sheathed in panels of slender cedar battens; many of these panels are in fact operable flaps that, when opened during the day, allow the house to be transformed into a naturally lit photography studio. On the other end of the spectrum, is Godsell's prototype FutureShack, a prefabricated emergency relief housing unit made of recycled shipping containers. This book documents all 23 of Godsell's projects to date, including built works as well as competition entries for larger scale buildings. '

Buy at Amazon.co.uk

The National - Boxer

Anthemic indie rock from New York's, The National. Heartfelt lyrics and songs that quitly build until the point where they pack a punch.

http://www.myspace.com/thenational

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Bearth + Deplazes, Meuli House, Flasch

The Meuli House by Bearth + Deplazes was perhaps my favourite projects that I visited while in Switzerland in 2005.

http://www.bearth-deplazes.ch/

Zaha Hadid, Maggie's Centre, Fife

Some snaps taken of Zaha Hadid's Maggie's Centre in Fife.

Valerio Olgiati, School in Paspels

Some photographs taken on my visit to Olgiati's School in Paspels as part of my visit to Basel and Zurich in Switzerland in 2005.

http://www.olgiati.net/

Mogwai - The Hawk is Howling

Glaswegian band Mogwai's latest effort, The Hawk is Howling, is melodic and compelling as ever. Mogwai still have it after 13 years of being together as a band! Buy the CD and you get a very nice DVD too.

http://www.myspace.com/mogwai

Second Year Study Trip, Lille, Part 2

Some more photographs taken on my visit to Lille in 2005.

Book: Hatch: The New Architectural Generation

I recently bought Hatch, it's a great book that generally covers some of the most interesting and current architecture and architectural practices today.

'Hatch: The New Architectural Generation, by Kieran Long and published by Laurence King in August 2008 is a portrait of the architectural work produced by a new generation that will soon take the lead in the practice and discourse of architecture across the world.
More than 100 of the brightest new stars feature in this book, showcasing their unique projects and their ideas for the future. These are practitioners for whom the old categories do not hold and for whom modernism is no longer the orthodoxy.'

Buy at Amazon.co.uk

Gigon + Guyer, Residential Scheme, Zurich

On my visit to Zurich in 2005 we met architects Gigon + Guyer, who showed us around one of their residential schemes completed in 2002. The series of buildings have a minimal aesthetic of smooth facades with simple and regular openings. What stands out, and seperates the individual blocks, is the use of colour pigmented concrete - a pale lime and vibrant blue. The organisation of the blocks creates large communal courtyard spaces to be enjoyed by the residents.

http://www.gigon-guyer.ch/

The Twilight Sad - Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters

http://www.myspace.com/thetwilightsad

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Third Year Trip, Basel + Zurich, Switzerland

As part of my architecture course in my third year, 2005, we travelled to Basel and Zurich in Switzerland. We visited many projects by a number of well known Swiss architects. I've posted some general photographs here including; Spittelhof Housing by Peter Zumthor, Market Space by Miller + Maranta, Housing by Deiner + Deiner and others. I will individually post about other specific buildings that I particularly enjoyed and photographed more intensely.

Plus Minus Zero in Europe

Minimilist Japanese product designers Plus Minus Zero are set to launch their products in Europe and have a new website dedicated to just that. Above is the Electric Kettle from their recently released 5th collection.

http://www.plusminuszero.jp/

Book: Bearth + Deplazes, Konstrukte/Constructs

'To Valentin Bearth and Andrea Deplazes, each and every building assignment represents a specific theme to be discovered and developed. Their individual buildings are aphorisms that elucidate their architectural ideas and intentions only when seen as a sum total. Sensitive reflections made by Ákos Moravánszky accompany the extensive monographic representation of the works of the architects to date. A fascinating essay by Andrea Deplazes deals with the complex specifications of the construction task.'

Link

Second Year Study Trip, Lille, France

Some photographs taken in Lille whilst taking part in the International Workshop in 2005.

Aereogramme - My Heart Has A Wish That You Would Not Go

Glaswegian band Aereogramme unfortunately split in 2007. They have however left behind a number of beautiful albums. My Heart Has a Wish... was their last album, released in 2006, and the band certainly went out on a high.

Download

http://www.myspace.com/aereogrammeofficial

http://www.chemikal.co.uk/aereogramme.htm

École d’Architecture de Lille, France

After my second year of architecture, 2005, I attended an International Workshop for students of all ages at the École d’Architecture de Lille, France. The workshop is held annually and I'd recommend students to take part if looking to travel and broaden their horizons architecturally. Above is a photograph of the school and some of the work my group produced.

Internation Workshop Programme

Sketches of Frank Gehry

It's not often you come across architecture related films, so when I saw Sketches of Frank Gehry on Amazon I decided to order. I've never been overly interested in the architecture of Gehry, but the film should be an interesting insight into the mind of one of today's most famous architects.

Buy at Amazon.co.uk

Frightened Rabbit - Sings The Greys

Originating from Selkirk in Scotland, Frightened Rabbit have fast become a favourite band of mine with their rough edged, unpolished and melodic songs. This is their debut album.

Download

http://www.myspace.com/frightenedrabbit

First Year Glasgow Study Trip, Scotland

Some photographs of Glasgow architecture taken from my second study trip of First Year taken in 2004. The Burrell Collection Gallery by Sir Barry Gasson, Brit Andersson and others. Housing at Graham Square by Mckeown Alexander Architects (now JM Architects). The Lighthouse Centre for Architecture and Design by Page + Park Architects.

http://www.jmarchitects.net/
http://www.thelighthouse.co.uk/
http://www.pagepark.co.uk/

First Year Edinburgh Study Trip, Scotland

Some photographs taken in 2003 from my first year architecture study trip to Edinburgh. EMBT's Scottish Parliament was still under construction at the time, but it's 'signiture' facade was luckily complete. The Scottish Poetry Library by Malcolm Fraser Architects was a hidden gem that i found a lot of inspiration in. We also visited housing at Dublin Street Lane by Richard Murphy Architects, as well as Terry Farrell + Partners landform at The Dean Gallery of Modern Art.

http://www.mirallestagliabue.com/
http://www.malcolmfraser.co.uk/
http://www.richardmurphyarchitects.com/

Errors - How Clean Is Your Acid House?

5 track mini album by Scottish indie electro act, Errors. Released by Mogwai's record label Rock Action, it achieves an atmospheric blend of new-wave, electro, 90’s rave, acid-house and rhythmic Mogwai-esque guitar. Errors are a great contemporary Scottish band.

Download

http://www.myspace.com/weareerrors

Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre, Scotland

Some photographs taken on my visit to Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre, built in 1999 and designed by Simpson + Brown Architects. The centre sits very close to the original abbey and echoes it's natural materials - stone, timber, glass and a green sedum roof. Conservation and minimal impact appear to be the driving factors behind the building's form and constructional approach.

http://www.simpsonandbrown.co.uk

Welcome.

This is the start of my blog.

A space to post;

architectural photographs personally taken, news on architecture that interests me, music that inspires me, music that gives me energy, designs that intrigue me, films that make me feel something, general things that i find curiousity in.

Hope anyone who stumbles upon this finds something of interest.

Greig.