Studio 15

The Body Keeps the Score

Anthony Clarke

Studio Description

“We have learned that trauma in not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body”. Using the work of Bessel Van Der Kolk as a reference, this studio will seek to explore new methodologies, typologies and approaches for better understanding architecture's role in the lived experiences of Trauma. Concepts including human geography, safety, control, independence and care will be critical components of this studio’s outcome and deliverables.

Studio Outcome

The objective of this studio is to challenge our existing architectural processes and current modes of reference. This studio will draw heavily from external disciples including Psychology, Neuroscience, Philosophy and Sociology to test new methods of communication and language. This studio will be broken up into three components. The first will be an ongoing and evolving question / statement each student will generate through a continued line of investigation around trauma. The second will be the design of a small scale installation project based around personal 'memories', and the third will be the design of a medium scale community center for those living with PTSD. Sites will be located in suburban Melbourne.

Studio Leader

Anthony Clarke is an architect and Principal of BLOXAS. BLOXAS is a practice for empathic and experimental architecture. Anthony established BLOXAS in 2010 following years of experience in the offices of Jean Nouvel, Shigeru Ban, FJMT and Terroir. Anthony is currently undertaking a PhD at Monash University based on several practice projects understanding their complex association with Trauma, Care, Health and Wellbeing.

Readings & References

• Van der kolk, Bessel, ”The Body Keeps the Score. Mind, brain and body in the transformation of trauma.” (Penguin Books) 2014.
• Bates, Charlotte., Imrie, Rob., Kullman, Kim. ”Care and Design: Bodies, Buildings, Cities”, Chapter One, Designing with Care and Caring with Design (Imrie, Kullman). John Wiley & Sons, 2017.
• Boys, Jos. Doing Disability Differently: An Alternative Handbook on Architecture, Dis/Ability and Designing for Everyday Life, Chapter Nine, Architecture, Place and the ’Care-Full’ Design of Everyday Life, 2014.
• Buse, Christina., Martin, Daryl., Nettleton, Sarah. ”Materialities of Care. Encountering Health and Illness Through Artefacts and Architecture”, (John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Oxford, UK). 2018.
• Petrescu, Donna., Trogal, Kim., The Social (Re) Production of Architecture. Politics, Values and Actions in Contemporary Practice. (London: Routledge). Chapter 11, 2017.
• Sacks, Oliver. Seeing Voices. (Picador, University of California). 1989.
• Marmot, Alexi. ”Architectural determinism. Does design change behaviour”, British Journal of General Practice, April 2002.

Schedule 12:00-15:00 Mondays, 09:00-12:00 Wednesdays

Contact Handbook Key Dates