Lecture date : 2016-11-21
What does the practice of architecture entail, how is it authored, and later performed? Bruce Goff when asked what style his houses were replied that they were Client Style. His response may have been a disingenuous off-the-cuff remark or perhaps truly accurate in that all buildings, especially houses designed for a particular client are a reflection of their personality, albeit melded with that of the architect. It is this complex and ambiguous relationship between the client and the architect that we wish to explore in our joint lecture using examples of our work together and apart to illustrate it. At what point does the architect let go of the project and client take possession? How is this transfer negotiated? There are issues of control in the way the house is fitted out (dressed) and even occupied that exposes the suggestion/coercion in the design and the will of the client to resist or yield up to the project. Are they joint authors in a project that relies upon performance for its affirmation and success?
Pierre D’Avoine was born in Bombay, India. He now lives and practices architecture in London. He published Housey Housey: A Pattern Book of Ideal Homes with Clare Melhuish in 2005. He was guest professor at Welsh School of Architecture, 2002-09 and at RDAFA, Copenhagen, 2009-12. He taught at the AA between 1995 and 2002 and now teaches Unit 14 at the CASS with Colette Sheddick.
Colette Sheddick BSc [hons] DipArch studied architecture at The Bartlett, UCL, and London Metropolitan University [CASS] and started her eponymous practice in 2012. She teaches Diploma 14 with Pierre d’Avoine at The CASS, and is a Design Fellow and BA Studio Master at Cambridge University.
