toolkit on a tangent an architectural field-research toolkit from tangentstudios
coordinated and designed by eleanor shipman
about the toolkit this toolkit is for...
sharing and reecting on our practice
+ tangentstudios + tangentfield
creating a dialogue with the wider creative field
+ + + +
architects artists creatives builders
giving those looking to work with us an idea of how they could get involved
+ + + +
students local people participants collaborators
our practice tangent tangentstudios ltd practice
tangentfield field research
permanent, formal architecture up to ÂŁ1m budget buildings wide range of clients working with suppliers + builders physical buildings residential + community projects
temporary, informal architecture + innovative, sustainable, design
+ engaging people in design + build
+ collaboration with partners + educational: teaching and mentoring + networking + vernacular design
smale-scale developments
+ skill sharing and sharing our practice
community projects
+ resourcefulness
hands on, practical participation
+ local, regional, national, international + appropriate technology
buildings, events + workshops live build projects with participants connected to university and academia
our values our core values are embedded in both strands of our pratice tangentstudios and tangentfield.
people-focused design skill sharing sustainable architecture cooperative + collaborative working
community engagement
project checklist + what are the opportunities for learning, reecting and skill sharing? + what are the design opportunities in terms of social and environmental sustainability? + what are the values embedding in the project? + do the users and commissions share those values? + what are the site opportunities and challenges? + can we engage the community / end users in the design process and project realisation? + how long does the project need? + how much time can we give? + what resources can we get for free? + can we source materials locally to the site? how local? + what documentation and recording methods can we use? + how can we define our method statement and risk assessment? + what are the potential project legacies? i.e. formal (insurance liabilities), informal...
tangent top tips we think it’s important to share learning and best practice, so here are some top tips from our live field-research:
1
embrace the challenges of cooperative and collaborative working
2
be open: share resources and be part of sharing networks
3
involve end users in the design process and realisation
4
clarify your values, the project values, agenda and brief
5
prepare well!
6
use hand tools wherever possible
7
use reclaimed materials to minimise cost and maximise experimentation
8
find a language that makes communication easy and inclusive e.g. hand drawings, open mic...
9
stimulate consensus, friendly competition and wide thinking
10
provide safe, broad and strategic frameworks that encourage uidity and improvisation
11
open opportunities for peer to peer learning, connect people and seed other projects
12
look at resources around each project: people, skills, materials and leftfield opportunities
13
play safely!
key materials + equipment our essentials for any live field research project, from small-scale buildings, to events, workshops and performances:
to be used and reused!
hand tools: saw, hammer, crow bar, impact driver...
pallets
pens, scissors, glue
bamboo
post-its
reclaimed timber
good quality fixings
hay bales
battery powered tools
canvas
cable drums
other key elements:
other key materials:
+ + + + + +
+ + + + +
covered areas portable kitchen work benches long tables computer / tech area patience!
earth: rammed render gabions rope loose bricks pedal power
site best practice when on site we follow some basic best practice to keep everyone safe and happy! keep the site / workshop area tidy at all times and watch out for any hazards keep up your energy levels by drinking plenty of water, eating enough and taking breaks ensure tools are kept in the tool area when not in use if you see someone who needs help, give them a hand - and ask for help when you need it use common sense and pay attention to detail i.e. don’t strip timber which has nails in it! leave no trace
what you will need: + + + + + + + +
steel capped / hard boots workman’s gloves overalls / practical old clothes water bottle suncream waterproofs dry change of clothes long hair tied back
documenting the project title:
date:
project outline: risk assessment completed:
photo permissions:
notes:
social media project lead:
learning / outcomes:
debrief / next steps:
photos uploaded on ickr:
project uploaded onto website:
project timeline
reection
celebration
playful adventures
resourcefulness
imagination
what to expect from a typical field-research project: + prepare + prepare appointment brief document + meet with + site recce client
+ idea generation with participants
+ collaborator recruitment + design, planning and preparation
+ resource identification + resource collection: Reuse Network, site and recycled materials
+ social media, film and photographic documentation
+ transportation + site preparation of materials + health and safety briefing and tools induction + building, making, experimentation, playfulness! + shared meals and collaboration
+ project debrief and celebration on site! + project handover to client + removal of materials
+ leave no trace + post-project reection and review + client debrief meeting + learn, share and develop
let’s work together! join us in one or more of these live project roles:
Creative collaborator
Skilled specialist
Student placement/ volunteer
Workshop participant/ volunteer
Live build team leader
Live build team member
or discuss your project needs with us - we work with:
Schools / educational organisations
Community groups / centres
Festival organisers
Theatre and performance companies
Arts organisations
get in touch to find out more! + email: + twitter: + website:
sally@tangentfield.co.uk @tangentfield1 www.tangentfield.co.uk
Not-for-profit & charities
Individual commissioners
about us tangentfield is an open architectural field-research practice. We work with individuals and community groups; specialists and novices, making temporary or permanent constructions. We often use performance as part of our method and reclaimed or found materials as our resource. We experiment with ‘process’ and celebrate ‘product’. Each event or project we do provides a platform for people to come together and share ideas, enjoy teamwork and challenge the limits of pre-conception and expectation… tangentfield is a strand of tangentstudios ltd - a special architecture practice operating from Centrespace; an applied arts worker’s co-operative located in the heart of Bristol. We will help take your project from initial concept right through to completion; creatively, resourcefully and responsibly. We collaborate with a regular team of well respected local builders, carpenters, engineers and trades delivering good quality, affordable buildings of all shapes and sizes.
Director Sally Daniels + email: + twitter: + website:
Co-founder Marcus Toop
Project Architect Lawrence Duck
sally@tangentfield.co.uk @tangentfield1 www.tangentfield.co.uk Coordinated and designed by Eleanor Shipman of SGSU, 2016 www.somethinggoodsomethinguseful.com