PAM TALK II

CHARLIE SUTHERLAND

-Studied Architecture at the Mackintosh School in Glasgow
-In 1997 He established Sutherland Hussey Architects with his colleague, Charlie Hussey
-A visiting critic and lecturer throughout the UK and Europe America and the far East
-Was elected as a fellow to the Royal Scottish Academy for Art and Architecture in 2011

“Between definite and infinite”. From my understanding, definite means clear, or clarity, and true or in other words real, true in terms of materials he uses for some of his project, where as infinite in space means there is no boundary, no limits to what space can be, like the one of his projects shows the sky and it always changing never ending view of the sky.

AN TURAS

A structure built near to the ferry terminal on the island of Tiree. It acts as a shelter whilst waiting for the ferry. The building’s design has a strong connection to the site. A rectangular form that cuts a channel in the landscape. From this, I can see that how he appreciate and utilize the landscape "It’s a folly that would speak about the idea of shelter," says Charlie Sutherland. An Turas is like a journey, it is a small, simple and sophisticated, and stunning architectural experience. A place in which to experience Tiree, the big sky, the wind and water, and the beauty of the island.

It introduced 3 part of spatial quality spaces. The whites walled- corridor opens to sky, which creates the link to sky. From the while-walled corridor, the view is framed beyond the black timber box enclosure. The black and white spaces contrasts beautifully, exposed to protected. The glass box at the end allows for a panoramic visual experience of the landscape. The spatial quality of spaces also change according to the time and weather.

THE LOVESHACK

The site for this modest little cottage is located on the shore of Lake Windermere on a steeply sloping wooded copse by the edge of Cunsey village. The shack is split over two levels to deal with the slope of the site. Love shack is approached through an established coppice wood where the rising route both inside and outside of the shack culminates in spectacular elevated views. A walkway traverses the site to the front door from which you ascend to the living space to discover a view and from there up to the bedroom, there is another views back out over the lake. This shows that he focus on experiences of a journey. The materials selected for the building have connection with the surrounding woodland. He explores the use of a locally produced material to work hard on sustainability. The buildings itself is clad with timber cladding which is locally grown.

CHENGDU MUSEUM

The gridline is formed according to the site context. The carved in space enabling shortcuts through the building, taking people away from the pollution of the sidewalks, and enabling them to engage more directly with the activities inside the museum. The detailed design of the skin and its integration with the structure and the landscape. The form of the building is from the folding concept. Represented as a giant structure in the city enveloped in a precious skin of copper alloy rigorously profiled to play with light, shade and texture. Perception of public is so important which he uses material honestly expressed.

In nutshell, route, landscape and carve in massing are the concept he applied in his design. How does he design building in other region? Try as much as possible, read and learn the place, then transport your skill to the place. Architecture should respond to site context and human behavior.