THE/04

Open: Phenomena

Benjamin Lau

Studio Description

Using Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection as a reference, Terry Farrell describes our cities as tangled banks. PHENOMENA challenges the preconceived relationship between architecture and urban design. This hypothetical open studio explores how architecture can create a better connection with the natural world, our community, and the existing urban environment.

Cities are the greatest collective creations of mankind. Architecture not only shapes our cities but also creates stories and memories far beyond physical boundaries. Here, students will design public buildings and urban-scale projects that are conceptually intertwined with historical, cultural, political, economic and social issues.

Studio Outcomes

The structure of this studio will be in two parts – masterplan and architecture with emphasis on concept creation, design narrative and storytelling of a place. Students can determine the place (project location), the audience (target users) and the functional brief (program) of their projects to suit their proposed research topics.

Students will develop their projects’ design narratives through qualitative research and morphological mapping. Exploration of design through conceptual models (physical) is an essential part of this studio. The fundamental outcomes of this studio are creative, provocative, yet poetic responses to the urban environment through architecture and space.

Studio Leader

Benjamin Lau is an architect-urbanist and a former director of Farrells. Working between Terry Farrell’s offices in London and Hong Kong for over twenty years, he has led many award-winning masterplans and architectural projects in the Asia Pacific region. With sensitivity to the public realm and culture, his approach to urban design and architecture is rooted in the local context of a particular project. He is specialized in place-making, mixed-use urban design, transport-integrated complexes and tall buildings.

Benjamin is passionate about art and architecture, and a tireless advocate of the sustainable urban environment.

Readings & References

Nigel Coates, Narrative Architecture, John Wiley & Sons, 2012

Terry Farrell, The City as a Tangled Bank, John Wiley & Sons, 2014

Schedule:
Monday 9:00am-12:00pm in MSD 240
&
Thursday 9am-12:00pm in MSD 240

Contact Handbook