Land Architecture People

Land Architecture People is a major exhibition which offers behind-the-scenes insights into how buildings are made – from the mysterious rules and conditions of land ownership through to the symbiotic relationship between architect and client. Conceived by award-winning architects Pierre d’Avoine and Andrew Houlton and anthropologist Clare Melhuish, the show dispels some of the mystique around the architectural design process. Land Architecture People opens in the vast subterranean gallery Ambika P3 in central London on 25 June and runs until 26 July 2010. The exhibition explores the scope of the ‘one off’, as well as the potential for repetition and serial production, both within and beyond the realm of domestic architecture. It shows a selection of built and unbuilt projects of different scales by Pierre d’Avoine Architects and Houlton Architects, including some collaborations. At the centre of the show is a striking group of twelve large floor-mounted architectural models. They are complemented by drawings, pattern books, maquettes, writings, photographs and films. Clare Melhuish has specially interviewed a number of clients about their aims and aspirations for their projects and their relationship with the architect. Transcripts of the interviews will be shown alongside photo portraits of the clients, uniquely emphasizing the significance of the relationship between the different players in the design process. About Pierre d’Avoine Pierre d’Avoine is principal of Pierre d’Avoine Architects based in London. He practises internationally, with work currently on site in Italy and Mozambique, where he is designing a crèche for street children with Article 25. The practice is well known for innovative residential design. In November 2009 their house in Greenwich won the national Brick Development Association Refurbishment Award. Pierre is currently Velux Guest Professor at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture in Copenhagen and external examiner and critic at several architecture schools in the UK and Europe. His work has been widely published and exhibited. About Andrew Houlton Andrew Houlton is principal of Houlton Architects based in London and was previously in partnership with Stephen Taylor as Houlton Taylor Architects.The practice has established a reputation designing for special needs environments and educational buildings for children. He is a CABE enabler (Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment) advising upon Children’s Centres and Schools. Andrew has taught and lectured at many schools of architecture and is now regularly invited as visiting critic in Britain and abroad. His work has been published internationally. About Clare Melhuish Dr Clare Melhuish is Visiting Research Fellow in Anthropology at Brunel University working on the study of the modern built environment as social setting, and an architecture critic and writer with a wide range of publications to her name. She was Reviews Editor of Building Design during the 1990s and ran the newly-founded cross-disciplinary journal Home Cultures (Berg) from 2004 to 2008. She is co-author with Pierre d’Avoine of the influential book Housey Housey: a Pattern Book of Ideal Homes (2005) and collaborated with the practice on the exhibition of the same name at the RIBA that year as well as on a number of other projects. About Ambika P3 Ambika P3 (formerly known as P3) is a 14,000 square foot triple height subterranean space in central London, converted from the vast former concrete construction hall for the University of Westminster’s School of Engineering. Built in the 1960s, its dramatic and impressive scale and its many retained industrial features, offer opportunities for a range of creative activities and provides an inspiring venue for the exhibition of art and architecture. The Ambika P3 programme is dedicated to innovation, experimentation and learning and, supported by the Ambika Paul Foundation, has been conceived as a laboratory and meeting place for practitioners, industry and academia, aimed at both specialist and general public enthusiasm for architecture, design, media, fashion and visual and performing arts. Events There will be a programme of events to accompany the exhibition. Details to be announced. Listings details for Ambika P3 University of Westminster 35 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LS Entrance via gate opposite Baker Street tube Opening hours: 10am-6pm Wednesday - Sunday Nearest tube: Baker Street Admission free T: +44 (0)20 7911 5876 www.p3exhibitions.com The following exhibition at Ambika P3 will be Edmund de Waal: Five Ways of Standing Up, 14 October -14 November 2010.