Right to Roam of One’s Own

HTS Thesis [Right]: To Ro(O)am of One’s Own...

Modern Ramblers

by Dariya Cheremisina Tutors: Nerma Cridge Mark Campbell

Architectural Association, London, 2022

Wavering down. 35 mm film.

View from the AA studio. Bedford square, 36. 35 mm

Content Introduction Architecture of direct experience: the pleasure of noticing........................................................1

Chapter 1 From right to roam to walking in architecture................................................................4 Chapter 2 Land through the eyes of an urban child............................................................................12

Chapter 3 Walking as an architectural project...................................................................................18

Chapter 4 Reconnecting furniture with nature..................................................................................22

Chapter 5 Caring for the land and directions taken collectively...........................................................28

To Begin Again............................................................................................................32

[Right]: To Ro(O)am of One’s Own...

Manifesto

Three separate narrative strands that describe the thesis of Modern ramblers.

The first one is Hiking Architecture. It is a community of architecture students and their friends gathered to walk around England. Founded in October 2021 the project became the first experiment of many aiming to roam through. From a little curiosity of one it slowly grew into the passion of many. From mid autumn till early spring Hiking Architecture walked the distance of 100.6 km. Each of the five different one-day paths took from 15 km to 25 km. Going through varies terrains and taking a train from new station every time the community of adventurers kept exploring the landscape, rural conditions and its connection to the city.

On the way to the starting point urban eye kept questioning the outside. Learning about local specificity students learned about each other. About the way of living that people in the city see as the only possible one. None of the paths were taking Hiking Architecture far into the wild, but all them were crossing private land, diving into the experience of the right to roam.

The second one is the AA archives. Edward Bottoms, the head of the archives, helped to reconnect the existing project with walks and trips organised by the AA students from the early 20th century.

The third one came from the exploration of legislations and regulations on “right to roam”. The battle for public access to the land that has been going since late 1880s.

Hiking Architecture was included in Slow Book created by LAWuN for the AA archives. The poster page was screen printed in Mosaic Studio in London. Together with Eddie Farrell, David Greene, Pati de Souza Leão Müller, Luísa Pires and many others.

14.7

km

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23.6

km

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19.8

km

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24.2

km

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18.3

km

Introduction will start from the top of the page, stepping down with every next phrase.

Then two lines of quietness - to breath in, to put all the previous thoughts and worries behind.

Words, l e t t e r by l e t t e r appear on the half empty or almost full page. The words will appear and disap... The flow grabs uneven meaning of thoughts that are flying around and patiently guides them into the lines. Previously created structure of the language that we might change on the way, but the one that was here before and stays long after. It makes sure everything is in order. ? way other the go would words the if What

It will not make any sensible sense. Probably there is a reason for them to go the usual way.

But what if the text is a map and it can bring us to people, living through different rhythms and spaces?

The eye is jumping from one side to another, looking for the path, direction or place with new infrequent terrain.

Thicker lines will separate states, lighter lines will describe tension of friendship within neighbours and their gates.

Dashed disappearing invisible path will show the tunnies of divisions that marked.

The narrative will go along 5 maps and 5 journeys - the hikes that created for people connected through the architecture.

5 words in each line - as an excuse to keep the eye jumping along the ...

5 hours walking within every path that taken by many 5 seconds to type every word on the side of ...

5 group of familiar strangers that decided to share one walk in the wild or not

It started in the late October.

Before we could even imagine snow or cold rain in the early morning. 13 of us took a tube and then Sunday train all the way to the South. The journey started with snacks, coffees from a local station shop, directions from the shop owner placed on top of the paper map we carried along. The map had politically drawn thin-lined grid. It had all the paths we were welcomed to go through, the ones that people already went to.

The map did not need any charger or batteries, it would not survive under splashing drops of heavy rain. Objects taken on a hike - precise, vulnerable and so functional - create tension. They awoke slightly disconnected city minds. The elements live in constant dependency from one another, people see the connection as clearly as never before. A day of walking allows experience the environment around physically. Tiredness, cold shadow, burning sun light, excitement, fresh wind on the top of the hill. Each of the substances leads to another one and reshapes the human perception in the contrasting transition from cold to warm, from loud to quiet, from here to there.

A simple wish to see the world outside of the daily screen settings and the city rushing life hours became an origin for the project called Hiking Architecture. Travels within one-day journey from each of the London train stations. Every walk includes different terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, conversations on the way, packed and unpacked snacks, shared thoughts, local nature sounds and various accents. Every journey gathers its own group of people around. Each of the hikers come with specific temporarily hidden reason, which might stay this way for much longer. The question that might never find its answer. Although every journey that has found its beginning will definitely treasure many more questions of the way ahead.

The walk itself and the dialogue between the group of people that the path has brought together have started from a riddle, the one of many we got to know later that day.

1

2

2022. Rye Natural Park. 35 mm film

“Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Every long journey has a riddle to solve in its origin. There is one for the walk ahead.

“I am the beginning of the end of time and space that surrounds everything and every place. What am I?”

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me 5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

3

Hiking Architecture will help to reconnect city minds with the natural and rural conditions, communicate with local community and learn through walking.

Chapter 1 Right to Roam of One’s Own.1 Their right, her right, his right, your right, our right and the walk through.

Hiking Architecture - Volume 1. (Hills) Walk: Hassocks to Lewes, East Sussex (50 min train from London) Date: 24th of October, Sunday Time: ~4,5 h walk

4

Architecture relies Hiking Architecture relies onHiking two bases.

Hiking on two bases. Hiking and and Architecture. There are two check-lists Architecture.

There arethat two check-lists that will help us to will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, goldenwind, autumn place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow fresh shadow wind, to beto become attentive listeners of the forest, come attentive listeners of the while cosily unrolling while cosily unrolling our cityforest, masks. our city masks.

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

We met at London Bridge station at 9am. Sharp or not, but very well prepared. It was quiet early morning throughout the city. Sleepy tube rides with some travellers on the way home after long exhausting hours of social life and the others on their busy weekend schedule, which might not even be call the weekend. Timeless station was already awake and did not show that many signs of Sunday laziness. At least that what people would say if they never saw the train station during Monday morning rush hour.

Planning a journey our minds explore probabilities of different possibilities. Choosing a train to take as a group there is always a later one somewhere on the back of planner’s mind. In case someone is running late. People need to have some space to be late, to run along the platform tiles and breathing heavily. Catching it and smiling through the unsteady exhaling or face the closed doors and empty rails. Every trip includes not only a story of people getting on board of rushing train, but also all the stories that made them run and those that made their companions see the desirable, the most convenient and needed train leaving for good. What does it mean? There is no magic, but while thinking which train to take, choose two and the second meeting point for those on their best slightly unplanned way there. Sustainability of any rigid system lies in its flexibility. As long as it can be adapting, it can be a tool to gather people and be open for many.

In 1932 mine workers from Manchester went for a protest - to trespass through the land, that was private. They argued that they, as mine workers, have all the rights to enjoy the country, to see the landscape, walk through as a part of living here. 90 years later architecture students are taking a train to walk along the hills as the right they do not ever use. The path is very well known. It goes all the way from Hassocks to Lewes. First hour the path goes constantly uphill but then keeps you above the towns for the rest of the journey. Walking kilometres from the coastline all of the walkers can see the sea side.

The glass surface reflects the light in-between the clouds and opens up the wind farms in the Channel. Farmers are passing by on their daily rides to the fields. The dog walkers, the birds that are gathering to fly away, the farming land, the wind mills old and new are along the same path. Everyone comes here for their own reason or looking for one on the way. Various stories are waving along the line leads to the top of the hill and all the way back to the sounds of town below.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me 5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

5

1884

- James Bryce MP introduces the first Parliamentary bill for accessing private land. It kept failing every year.

1939 - The Access to Mountains

1914 - The bill for a right to

1947

roam officially fails.

1932 - April 24 - Kinder Scout

mass trespass in the Peak District.

Six people who were in charge of the protest organisation are jailed. It made the case visible for the other parts of the society.

1935 - The Ramblers are

Act made trespassing a criminal offence.

The Hobhouse Committee is asking to open countryside for public access.

1997 - Labour Party’s manifesto

includes commitment to a “right to roam”.

1998 - Michael Meacher MP confirms the commitment.

1949 - The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

1985 - The Ramblers started he Forbidden Britain campaign. The goal was to have a right to walk in the wild outside of the defined path.

officially formed.

6

1991 - growth of the campaign

Hassocks to Lewes. 35 mm film

20005 - November 30 -

Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW).

“Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hiking: Hiking: 1. Carry 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the - one with a belt it Backpack (if you have the with acomfortable belt it is amazing, is amazing, if not – take theone most if not – take the most comof all. It might help to pack your in fortable of all. things It might help to pack your things in waterwaterproof manner as rain might be asour good proof manner rain might be our goodhumid friend for air) the jourfriend for the journey, but mostly ney, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance - to You Therebe is a found. fragile balance to be found.

You have to bebut prehave to be prepared for almost everything, pared for almost everything, not put too much as it gets heavier the asway. but not puton too much it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me 5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things)

2005 - The right to roam comes into the effect.

2012 - April 24 - Kinder 80 Festival takes place in Peak District, 80 years after the mass trespassing.

2026 - deadline for any pre-

1949 paths to be recorded to continue to carry public rights.

Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

7

No one could predict where each of the paths will lead the group of familiar strangers. They kept walking and the conversations did not need to be measured by rushing city environment. But what is this right that people were fighting for and still do?

Historical Background and modern presents of the Right to Roam goes back to 1949. Many of local rumbles were influenced by the Passing of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of the same year. It created definitive maps and statements that were meant to be maintained in the area of someone’s ownership. The new system completely changed, previously known process of proving that the path is used by public through the court. Only this procedure could keep open access to the path. In reality it included insignificant amount of areas to be open for public access.

There is a legal principle “Once a path, always a path”. Once a right of way exists it remains in existence unless and until it is lawfully closed. Such diversion can arise only out of legal action.2

8

Hassocks to Lewes. 35 mm film

“Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink 2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know - Bottle of water (you know yourself better yourself better than anyone, than anyone, make sure you have enough make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of convolume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you stant walking, you might need two bottles) might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me

The Right to Roam is going to be changed again.3 1st January 2026 is a cut-off date, when all rights of way over the footpaths not recorded on definitive maps will be extinguished. There will be exemptions for paths in certain circumstances.

England and Wales have almost a hundred and forty thousand miles of footpaths together.

Ten per cent of them are impassable at any season. About ten thousand miles more that are probably lost on maps or disappeared.

After the ‘cut-off date’ it will no longer be possible to record additional historic ways on definitive maps. ‘Discovering Lost Ways’ project was aiming to encourage the discovery of the pats and document them. However, it got closed four years later facing the impossibility of the task. Since then the responsibility to find the paths and to keep them alive is fully in the hands of curious walkers. Under their adventurous steps count.

“Lost Footpaths to Stay Lost,” the Daily Telegraph reported on a closure of Discovering Lost Ways..

5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

9

As Robert Michael Pyle wrote: “People who care conserve; people who don’t know don’t care. What is the extinction of the condor to a child who has never known the wren?”

10

Hassocks to Lewes. 35 mm film

“Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles)

3. Eat 3. Eat Lunch +to 2 snacks (we are - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are -going eat lunch going to eat lunch on the hill, on the hill, so any kind of food that survive so any kind can of food that can survive the trip the trip is welcomed. 2 snacks might beis welcomed. helpful 2 snacks might be helpful on on the smaller stops to bringthe your mood the smaller stops to to bring your mood to the best powbest power, share with the person you like or er, share with the person you or discover it on going the way discover it on the way back) like - we are not back) - we are not going to to be far from civilization, but nice do not be farit’s from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too rely on it too much. much.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me 5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

11

Chapter 2 Land,through the eyes of an urban child

Hiking Architecture - Volume 2. (Seaside) Walk: Ramsgate to Margate (The Beach Roamer, 1.20h train from London) Date: 6th of November, Saturday Time: ~4.5 h walk

12

“Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

2021. Hiking Architecture.

4. Travel 4. Travel - Tickets,to some and - Tickets, some money and things domoney on the to do on the train, you train, you know better than things me better know than me 5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

1892. Taunton carriage. AA Archives.

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

13

I am writing from the train station. We are waiting for the train that is heading all the way to the seaside.

Early mornings were never easy to witness, but the cycle has never stopped and we kept waking up, slowly disconnecting our minds from the desires of foggy morning flow, continued walking again and again.

Ramsgate to Margate. 35 mm film

16

Ramsgate to Margate. 35 mm film

AA Archive

Peter Hirst and ‘Lala’ Adithiya Photographs_1957_Camping In The Lake District_Hardknott _ Wrynose Pass_01

Peter Hirst and ‘Lala’ Adithiya Photographs_1957_Camping In The Lake District_Hardknott _ Wrynose Pass_03

Peter Hirst and ‘Lala’ Adithiya Photographs_1958_Lake Vattern_Sweden

17

Chapter 3 Walking becomes as an architectural project

Hiking Architecture - Volume 3. (Forest) Walk: Haslemere Hills and Heather, Surrey (1.45h train from London) Date: January Distance: 20 km ~ 5h walk

18

AA Archive “Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

Peter Hirst and ‘Lala’ Adithiya Photographs_1958_On Route

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me

Peter Hirst and ‘Lala’ Adithiya Photographs_1958_Schelswig Holstein_Germany

5. Wear 5. Wear shoes would be - Shoes (hiking shoes would- Shoes be (hiking amazing, but amazing, but you can make it you can make it in your trainers as well.

Your in your trainers as well.

Your your best friends, shoes are your best friends, shoes makearesure you are make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might getit might get muddy on the way) muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to wind proof, - Pants (comfortable, quick dry, to preferably dry, preferably but who has those is a lucky wind proof, but who has those one) is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and shirt, a sweater and a jacket helptoo you do not get on too a jacket will help you do notwillget warm warm on the way and too the way and too cold while standing.

Rainproof cold while standing.

Rainproof jacketwon’t will be very usejacket will be very useful (umbrellas help) ful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + the 7 forecast c. Forest - For now shows 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring doesn’t bring much sun in+much - sun jackets/gloves/ in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful. scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of - Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy heavy rain (if you rain (if you want to be want to be on top of things)on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

Student_trip_Rome-®Kit_Evans_1954_D15

19

20

Haslemere Hills. 35 mm film

I am writing about walking while sitting. On the wobbly train that finds its way through the forest shade, fields’ sun and rainy evenings. On the chair of chilly library walls that go all the way to the ceiling. In the mornings when the city is still asleep and nothing can stop the letters appear on digital paper, one by one.

21

Murray John, AA Year 4, 1977-78, Jubilee Walkway, London.

Persephone statue, public buildings, wharf and gardens.

Chapter 4 Collaboration - reconnecting furniture with nature

Hiking Architecture with Iunia Borsa - Volume 4. (Forest) Walk: Epping Forest Date: 20th of February, Sunday Distance: 20 km ~ 4h walk

22

AA Archive “Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

Murray John, AA Year 4, 1977-78, Jubilee Walkway, London. Site and positions of statues of Watchdog, Orpheus and Odysseus.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me

Architecture:

5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things)

1. Documenting the walk. Architecture: Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the 1. trip in any way I suggest documenting the and media you find suitable. help tripItin can any way andyour media you find suitable.new It can help own project, it can create something or your own project, it can crebe forgotten for years. Youate can be new theor beone something forgottenfuture for years. in You your can be drawing on the way, reading the one drawing on the way, future in moving, your friends’ friends’ footprints, making reading a movie, footprints, making a movsinging, reading poems, measuring distances, ie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. taking record of the wind Solving puzzles. directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Intuitively whatever Intuitively bring whatever enters yourbring backpack enters your backpack – there – there is a space to be whoever is a spaceyou to be want whoeverfor you want for a day on the cliffs! a day on the cliffs!

Murray John, AA Year 4, 1977-78, Jubilee Walkway, London.

Perspective sketch on recto of sheet 2.

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

23

Murray John, AA Year 4, 1977-78, Jubilee Walkway, London. Section of walkway, including Poseidon, Athene and Demeter sites.

24

AA Archive

Murray John, AA Year 4, 1977-78, Jubilee Walkway, London. Progression of space from Persephone Cafe to Wharf to Island.

25

26

Epping Forest. 35 mm film

Hello dear hikers!

Hiking Architecture is heading towards the forest. The path is going to be unusual as it will not only bring us through the forest, but it will aim to imitate the relationships between the city and the woods. Between our private space and freely growing forest. In collaboration with Iunia Borsa.

Open for architects and any other soul-mates.

Architecture (you don’t need to do anything in advance): 1.

From a chair to the forest We are going to trace the path of wooden materials.

2.

From the forest to a chair We will capture what can be found in the forest to become a part of our urban private space.

3.

Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey See you soon!

(Sunday 20th of February, 10am, Chingford overground station)

27

Where the wood comes from and what is the price of it.

The pieces of furniture were placed in the forest. It was brought to its very origin.

Can these cut down and varnished branches still fit in? Will forest take the pieces back?

They run through the urban forest along the path that was selected before. Placing objects to the voids in the woods.

They left the pieces or taken them back to the city, they have chosen something to take from the forest. But how do you feel taking fallen pieces of wood from the forest? How much every natural object might change as soon as entering urban air. do you want it to happen to those too? Or maybe it is a cycle that does not need to be broken?

No answer...

But what is the price. You chose a piece you like and you put a tag with a price on it.

Imagine that the forest is a huge Ikea shop. Or maybe there are no more shops?

It is a different story don’t start it now.

They spent a day in the rainy, muddy, beautifully breathing forest.

They went back to their urban spaces and sat on the chairs from the forest, from a different forest but from the same old Oak.

28

Epping Forest. Brought pieces of wooden furniture, collected objects and the price of them.

29

Chapter 5 Caring for the land and the directions taken collectively

Hiking Architecture - Volume 5. (Hills and seaside) Walk: Wavering Down – Crook Peak Date: 13th of March, Sunday Distance: 13 km ~ 3.5h walk

30

AA Archive “Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me 5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Student_trip_Rome-Kit_Evans_1954_D16

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one If you ask yourself just one question before question before going and try to find (or an answer (or going and then try to find anthenanswer more more questions) on the way. questions) on the way. It can Itbe very can something be something very open – “Why am I going there?”. open as – “Why am I goingas there?”. Or a bit Or a bit more focused – “How going to to see more focused – “How many many shipsships amamI Igoing on the way?” see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and just be - is always an option!

Enjoying the journey

31

Wavering down, 35 mm

34

Wavering down, 35 mm

35

To begin again

This journey of The Right to Roam of One’s Own started with five different paths. They did not intersect but brought individual journeys of many to step along. Architects were sharing the joy of travelling together while looking at the fascinating world around for centuries. Architecture was never an outcome of constant indoor learning. Dimensions and needed proportions can be discovered through the works written throughout human history. However, it will only help to follow them. It will not allow to create any new perception that can be based on the understanding of physical space, Urban environment does not encourage people to look outside of it. The city was never by itself. It exists only in the precisely measured relation to the rural areas.

Cities rapidly step into the rural. Year by year. We cannot learn from the pure nature as it is very hard to find. The landscape is artificial, it is fully under the control of still biased human eye. It looks for its own understanding of beauty and necessity of one plant on top of another one. If the world will slowly all become urban, than there is still so much to learn from rural environment that might soon disappear.

Walking though the land of the Island a collective of Hiking Architecture was discovering everyday a routine of the outside. How to walk longer distances and do not forget to breath on the way up, how to appreciate very long and rapid time, being fully present and tune into your own rhythms. Architecture of the gates of the private land that are constantly checking if you are a human or a sheep, but more importantly all the trips are aligned with an idea of architecture experience. What can we learn by giving all attention, energy and focus to one single thing - being on the way in this very moment.

Walking architect is not less of an architect. Specially when it brings different minds together to curiously create and attentively listen to what is out there.

The right to Roam of One’s Own has started the way towards discoveries of the country. It has found the beginning but the path does not end here. There are many more maps to be read and winds to blow under another careful eye of walking architects from the nearest future.

36

“Hiking Architecture relies on two bases. Hiking and Architecture. There are two check-lists that will help us to get there safely, to enjoy the place, time, golden autumn fresh shadow wind, to become attentive listeners of the forest, while cosily unrolling our city masks.

Hassocks to Lewes, 35 mm

Hiking: 1. Carry - Backpack (if you have the one with a belt it is amazing, if not – take the most comfortable of all. It might help to pack your things in waterproof manner as rain might be our good friend for the journey, but mostly humid air) - There is a fragile balance to be found. You have to be prepared for almost everything, but not put too much as it gets heavier on the way.

2. Drink - Bottle of water (you know yourself better than anyone, make sure you have enough volume for 4.5 hours of constant walking, you might need two bottles) 3. Eat - Lunch + 2 snacks (we are going to eat lunch on the hill, so any kind of food that can survive the trip is welcomed.

2 snacks might be helpful on the smaller stops to bring your mood to the best power, share with the person you like or discover it on the way back) - we are not going to be far from civilization, but it’s nice do not rely on it too much.

Ramsgate to Margate, 35 mm

Harslemere Hills, 35 mm

4. Travel - Tickets, some money and things to do on the train, you know better than me 5. Wear - Shoes (hiking shoes would be amazing, but you can make it in your trainers as well. Your shoes are your best friends, make sure you are comfortable, dry, warm and cosy, it might get muddy on the way) - Pants (comfortable, quick to dry, preferably wind proof, but who has those is a lucky one) - Layers will always help. A shirt, a sweater and a jacket will help you do not get too warm on the way and too cold while standing. Rainproof jacket will be very useful (umbrellas won’t help) - For now the forecast shows + 7 c. Forest doesn’t bring much sun in - jackets/gloves/ scarves might be helpful.

- Extra socks/shirt in case of heavy rain (if you want to be on top of things) Architecture: 1. Documenting the walk.

I suggest documenting the trip in any way and media you find suitable. It can help your own project, it can create something new or be forgotten for years. You can be the one drawing on the way, reading future in your friends’ footprints, making a movie, moving, singing, reading poems, measuring distances, taking record of the wind directions or sounds. Solving puzzles.

Epping Forest, 35 mm

Intuitively bring whatever enters your backpack – there is a space to be whoever you want for a day on the cliffs!

2. Asking yourself a question.

If you ask yourself just one question before going and then try to find an answer (or more questions) on the way.

It can be something very open as – “Why am I going there?”.

Or a bit more focused – “How many ships am I going to see on the way?”

At least they might be useful to start a conversation with a stranger on the way.

3. Not doing anything and

3. Not doing anything and just just - is analways be -be is always option!

Enjoying the journey an option!

Enjoying the journey Wavering down

37

“In this hiking moment you don’t want to live as the city does, you want to see Sunday as the day to begin In this hiking moment you don’t fall into rhythms projected by the announcements of stations

in the morning tube”

AA LAWuN Slow book archive. Page for Hiking Architecture. Screen printing.

Post-Manifesto

The right to roam still stays endangered and possibly can be scrapped in the visible future. If modern society is not being able to create new system of ownership. As one of many being born at the end of the 20th century I was experiencing the world through the values of the capital, goods, property and privacy. These means were put above many and created the goals for the whole generation. It stayed for the following one as well. I believe that the question of an open access to the land has its urgency in our time as well as 100 years ago. I am looking forward to see a wide range of possibilities that can replace the existing system of ownership over the land. Not everyone needs to have a paper supporting their property rights, but everyone needs to have an opportunity to walk all the way through the forest and feel fresh breeze of the seaside when the forest opens up towards the shore.

The right to roam is also a question of accessibility of public interiors, social norms and open spectrum of possible behaviours. A space of a museum can become an example. It can be quiet and controlling. It can be either an open borderless space of learning for younger visitors or it can be an empty storage packed with unnecessary rules but not curiosity.

How open and free we are within public rules, where we need them in the form they have now and where the norms can become more adaptable and inclusive to the changing times. Connecting the city to the country from it’s very private origin. Going all the way to the interior and then slowly stitching the pieces back to the rural environment.

The right to roam is an essential part of making cities liveable again. The cities with spaces to think, to create, to listen and learn about the resources that support the urban life. A train-ride to the privacy of very much needed emptiness in the daily flow of information, a grasp of very tensional reality of natural landscape.

Today’s world is not respecting the boundaries, it has aims and powers that many people struggle to share. Maybe it is failing on the way to create a better space with more balanced authorities. Maybe it is taking an old path that cannot be walked anymore. It is following a strategy of drawing very sharp lines. The right to roam has a clear line too. But as a system of an open access to the land we all live on, it suggests to find a new way of drawing boundaries and borders. To have gaps, open gates, intersections and typologies of necessary divisions. It is not blurry, it is systematic overlap of the every need that has to be met by the accessible landscape of the future. There are people exploring the nature, sharing what they own and respecting the waving line of a common walk.

Bibliography Andrews, Kerri. “Wanderers: A history of Women walking”. Forward by Kathleen Jamie. London: Reaktion Books, 2020.

Andrews, John. “A hike over and through the Bedford Square building”. Ex AA Diploma graduate and tutor. London, AA Archive.

DRIG. The Drawing Research Interest Group. “Mobility of the line. Utility of the Line”. Andrews, John. Bullen, Duncan.

Chard, Nat. Hardie, George. Malinowski, Antoni. Turko, Jeffrey P.. Wingham, Ivana. http://arts.brighton.ac.uk/projects/mobility-of-the-line-utility-of-the-line

Fulton, Hamish. “Walking journey”. London: Tate Britain Exhibition, 2002 Hayes, Nick. “The Book of Trespass: Crossing the Lines that Divide Us”. London: Bloomsbury Circus, 2020.

Harmon, Katherine. “The Map as Art”. US: Princeton Architectural Press, 2010.

Knight, Sam. “Letter from the UK: The search of England’s forgotten paths”. London: The New Yorker, 2019. https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-uk/the-search-for-englands-forgotten-footpaths

Long, Richard. “A Line Made by Walking”. Tate, 1967.

Mafi, Nick. Photography by Christian Flatscher. “Snøhetta Completes Path Cantilevered Over Austrian Alps”. Architectural Digest, 2019.

Murray, John. AA Diploma 10 student under tutors Bernard Tschumi and Nigel Coates . London, Architectural Association Archive, 1977-78.

Natural England. “A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way”. 2008 Revision https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/414670/definitive-map-guide.pdf

Perec, Georges. “Species of Spaces and other Pieces”. Penguin 20th Century Classics. Paris: 1973-74.

Pyle, Robert Michael. “Where Bigfoot walks”. US: Counterpoint, 2017.

Pyle, Robert Michael. “Nature Matrix: New Selected essays”. US: Counterpoint, 2020.

Shrubsole, Guy. Powell-Smith, Anna. Blog. “Who Owns Britain?” https://whoownsengland.org/about/

Shrubsole, Guy. “Who owns England? How we lost our land and hoto take it back.”

United Kingdom: HarperCollins Publishers, 2020.

Stinson, Liz. “10 Gorgeous Lookout Points (That Also Play Nice With Nature)”. WIRED, 2016. https://www.wired.com/2016/10/10-gorgeous-lookout-points-also-play-nice-nature/

Shokr, Hanna. Essay “The line that cannot be tamed”.

Wecke, M. ‘Going Nowhere’. AA Diploma 14. London: Architectural Association Photo Library, 2020.

Woolf, Virginia. “A Room of One’s Own”. London: Hogarth Press, 1929.

Architecture: Snohetta, Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion Snohetta, Path Cantilevered Over Austrian Alps Zaha Hadid, Messner Mountain Museum Haim Dotan, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Bridge HHF, Ruta del Perregrino Rintala Eggertsson Architects, Seljord Watch Tower Saunders Architecture, Aurland Overlook Close to Bone, Vlooyberg Tower Processcraft, Mirrored Cabin J.Mayer.H, Sarpi Border Checkpoint Quilotoa Crater Overlook, Jorge Andrade Benítez

Links: “Right to Roam Regulations” https://www.righttoroam.org.uk/

The Ramblers. https://www.ramblers.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/past-campaigns/right-to-roam-crow.aspx

“Green Politics”. London: The Guardian, 2005. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/aug/29/greenpolitics.ruralaffairs “Shelving of right to roam report” London: The Guardian, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/22/uk-minister-defends-shelving-of-right-to-roam-report-ahead-of-kinder-scouttrespass

Endnotes 1 Virginia Woolf - A Room of One’s Own 2 https://www.righttoroam.org.uk/ 3 https://www.ramblers.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/past-campaigns/right-to-roam-crow.aspx 4 https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/aug/29/greenpolitics.ruralaffairs 5 https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/aug/29/greenpolitics.ruralaffairs