Walking as an architectural project

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

Peter Hirst and ‘Lala’ Adithiya Photographs_1958_On Route

Peter Hirst and ‘Lala’ Adithiya Photographs_1958_Schelswig Holstein_Germany

“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.

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. 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)

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.