Embodied Practice+Pedagogy

In an age of speed,efficiency and technological advances, the school in both its layout and pedagogy represents a radical reintegration of slower, embodied practices to augment architectural education. Shifting the focus away from computers, embodied practices include a range of haptic crafts that require the physical act of producing something - including large format drawing, woodworking and wet media. These practices demand certain physical tools and equipment, devotion to a craft and importantly, adequate space and conditions to carry these out. Each traditional studio space opens up to a twin workshop area in the adjacent building, manifesting an equalisation of embodied practices to augment studio-based learning.

Site specific design principles involved activating the existing central spine, strategic demolition for greater public and student access, thoughtful insertions of new programs and creation of public, open air courts.

The eastern warehouse and existing timber store house embodied activities - utilized for multi-media craft and timber workshops respectively. The western warehouse accommodates the rest of the school and a public gallery space.

Students periodically update, furnish and curate their own exhibition. A 1:1 gallery mock-up is transferred from the eastern warehouse to the western warehouse to showcase their craftsmanship to the public.

An ode to the school’s pedagogy, a predominantly hand-crafted model and hand-drawn site plan exemplifies the embodied practices that are encouraged at the school.