1 minute read
The Basil Spence Project: Headlines
By Issy Spence
1. Aqua is all the rage. (Not Barbie girl) Set on the Portland Coastline, this year’s Basil Spence project was called ‘Pelagos’ meaning deep sea. These Marine projects literally projected out into the Big Blue. Whether it was ‘floating’, ‘sunk’, ‘emerging,’ it’s all about reconnecting with the sea. Schemes showcased Piers, Grandstands and a Marine Museum, as well as extra programmes.
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2. Laser cut wood was so last year. The Laser cutter has had enough of wooden boards. So time to try something else or think of some alternative model making technique. This greatly increased the range of different models, compared to previous years. And this brings us swiftly onto our next story.
3. Poured Concrete is so in. I love concrete. Maybe it’s because I have been raised in the Smithson’s 6E building and Bath University campus, or perhaps it’s because I hate fun and colour. Either way, what better way to rock the concrete, than architectural models and cute little renderings of buildings. Basil Spence showcased some spectacular models using this. Some larger monolith forms even needed to use Rebar / reinforcement to keep them standing. Besides from the limelight stealing concrete, the challenge of modelling the big blue was tackled excitingly, with materials ranging from perspex, blue card, watercolour, black card, actual water, clear resin, the list goes on. So looks like the ban on wood on the laser cutter wasn’t such a bad thing.
4. The critics ability to disappear / diss-a-pier, Not to crack under peer/pier pressure and deep philosophical questions such as ‘Why did you not argue with your peers/piers?’ (Bedford, 2015)
5. Mini-Fresh profits are up by 200% - Balsa, card and scalpel blade sales have rocketed this semester at our nearest and dearest convenience store. Starbucks and Costa have also seen an increase in profits to make those long hard nights more caffeinated and bearable. Everyone looked fabulous. Smart clothes, suave blazers and polished shoes were whipped out, despite the lack of sleep evident by the large coffee consumption throughout the day.
In summary, what an intense day in the 6E Crit Room. A truly remarkable body of work and the fourth years should be proud of what they’ve achieved. Until next time.
