George Matthews gmatthews.arch@gmail.com
P O R T F O L I O
‘In the process of resettlement, music, movement, dance and play, as integral forms of human experience, offer important ways to connect with others, draw comfort, express emotion and develop self-esteem, identity and resilience.’
Marsh, K. (2016). Creating bridges: music, play and well-being in the lives of refugee and
00 Introduction George Matthews
immigrant children and young people. Music Education Research, 19(1), pp.60-73.
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00 Introduction George Matthews
Perspective render from within the Refugee Housing Masterplan, Valby, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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00 Contents George Matthews
THIRD YEAR STUDIO
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Music Therapy Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Technical: Music Therapy Centre
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Enterprise Lab, Frome, U.K.
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Twilight Homes, Frome, U.K.
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The Galleries Phase 1, Bristol, UK.
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The Galleries Phase 2, Bristol, UK.
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Longcross Court, Cardiff, UK.
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Tremadoc Road, London, UK.
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Photography & Sketch Books
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SECOND YEAR STUDIO
02 CHILDS & SULZMANN ARCHITECTS
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00 Contents George Matthews
OTHER WORK
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01 Third Year Studio George Matthews
STUDIO
Music therapy centre development sketch perspectives.
THIRD YEAR
Music & Architecture: Refugee Housing Masterplan & Music Therapy Centre in Valby, Copenhagen.
My final year studio project was based in Valby, a suburb of
allocated site in the suburb. Subsequently, to design a piece of architecture within the proposed masterplan. My design proposals were to reference the theme of the third year studio; ‘The Relationship Between Music and Architecture’.
01 Third Year Studio George Matthews
Copenhagen. The brief was to design a masterplan for an
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ANALYSIS & NARRATIVE
NEW BUILD
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02
RESIDENTIAL
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04
SKATER PARK
RAIL LINKS
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CYCLE ROUTES
The 2 week visit to Copenhagen focused on observing and understanding the city. I chose to experiment with different ways of exploring Copenhagen’s urban fabric. For example, recording the sounds of the city and compiling them into a movie or sketching as I walked through the city as a psychogeography study. I considered Copenhagen’s human scale and took inspiration from academics such as Jane
01 Copenhagen Analysis George Matthews
Jacobs and Jan Gehl.
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RIVER
LOCATION
Desktop research into Denmark’s socio-political climate revealed a protectionist approach to the ‘European Refugee
Valby is a forgotten suburb of Copenhagen. 15 minute cycle
I explored the strong relationship between the historic city
Copenhagen explored through the music of the city. This
Crisis’ with strict anti-immigration policy implemented by
from the centre. With rail links to the Airport and City
and the river by kayak. I also traversed the maze of protected
video compiles 24 hours in Copenhagen through the
far right parties. A dystopian future narrative is launched
Centre. The suburb is mostly made up of residential estates.
cycle lanes that dominate Copenhagen’s transport system.
medium of music. I worked collaboratively in a group of
from my research into the fall of liberalism in Denmark (2017) and the rise of the far right.
CONTEXT
TRAVEL
four students.
MUSIC
narrative, created to highlight and dramatize this modern
to present research relating to music therapy. A central
informed by current Danish immigration policy (Hofverberg,
for social and political change in Europe. This change has
isolationist zeitgeist. The narrative explores the possibility
space facilitates music performances at night whilst
2017) which allows for the controlled movement of refugees.
moved once liberal, internationalist nations towards more
of a geopolitical war in Ukraine increasing the number of
during the day the space can be used for recreational sport.
In existing refugee centres, such as Centre Sandholm near
isolationist policies implemented by far-right nationalist
refugees seeking asylum in Denmark, and thus demand for
Asylum seekers can partake in small group music therapy
Copenhagen, refugee movement is monitored via gated
parties. A combination of social and political change has
asylum seeker housing centres.
workshops, listen to performances or play sport to form
entrance to the site. The wall provides protection from
new bonds within a cohesive society. My primary design
anti social activities such as the introduction of drugs,
led to the maltreatment of asylum seekers who, after fleeing conflict, find themselves living in poor, cramped conditions
My masterplan houses refugees who are awaiting approval
concept is to take refugees on a journey from imposing,
prostitution etc. to a vulnerable refugee community. Overall,
in refugee centres isolated from local communities.
on their asylum application. My architectural intervention
functional spaces to spaces that encourage interaction and
the refugee music therapy centre achieves interventionist
functions as a controlled threshold into the refugee housing
cohesion. The progressively changing feel of the building
aims, seeking to improve the lives of asylum seekers
Denmark has experienced social xenophobia and political
master plan and as a music therapy centre to rehabilitate
represents refugees’ journey from the hostility of conflict
whilst integrating them into a cohesive society of different
nationalism in recent years. My architectural intervention
refugees. Music therapy is practiced in workshops located
zones to the safety of the masterplan.
cultures within the masterplan.
in Copenhagen evolved from a futuristic dystopian
on the upper floors of the centre. A lecture space is provided
A controlled boundary surrounding the masterplan is
01 Narrative George Matthews
Dystopian narrative time line including fictional Danish political forecast. The ongoing European refugee crisis has been the catalyst
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MASTERPLAN
High
density
mixed
use
development
facilitates
surveillance in communities leading to a reduction in neighbourhood crime. Superkilen park in Copenhagen, designed by BIG Architects, is a successful precedent of a high density public space (sketch section diagram above). The theory of surveillance, championed by Jane Jacobs, dismisses large open recreational spaces in cities; a product of outdated zonal planning policies. It instead champions linking smaller public spaces occupied through out all times of the day with different uses. This design ethos was applied to my own refugee housing masterplan for Valby to create safer more cohesive communities.
“The problem of insecurity can not be solved by spreading people out more thinly, trading the characteristics of cities for the characteristics of 01 Section George Matthews
suburbs.�
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Year 2027 - Masterplan thresholds removed. Refugees integrated into Copenhagen as Denmark Jane Jacobs (1961) The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
undergoes fall of nationalism.
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01 Section George Matthews
View of Music Therapy Centre from within the refugee masterplan.
MUSIC THERAPY
Valby,
CENTRE
Copenhagen
Temporary Housing Blocks Removed in 2027
Music Therapy Centre Refuge Housing Masterplan
Temporary Housing Blocks Removed in 2027 Relation to context.
The local context of Valby, Copenhagen, follows a typical
Mixed density
Danish vernacular of pitched roof 6 storey apartment blocks
courtyard housing
with internal courtyards. The locality was referenced for
and green urban
the massing of the Music Therapy Centre to maintain a
park space
sympathetic approach to the context of Valby.
01 Masterplan George Matthews
My masterplan also references the high density housing
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blocks. However, where traditional Danish courtyard blocks are closed off, I looked to open them up. Allowing
Movement of Refugees along
Year 2024 - Masterplan thresholds intact as
public access to the inward facing garden spaces. I wanted
cycle pathways from 2023
xenophobic discourse surges through Denmark.
to allow for safe urban space to be accessible to all.
Refugees integrated into masterplan.
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02
01 Kitchen
Courtyard Space
Office
00 00. Creation of landmark public plaza 01. Public Block 02. Public Block Divided - Reception, Performance & Eating Spaces
Canteen
Performance Space
Reception
03. Spaces added to service three public functions
Form: My narrative dictates that in 2024 the culture of Denmark is experiencing a surge in nationalism and socially Danes
of refugees is represented by my architectural form in the classical order of colonnades and heavy, imposing materiality of bricks and concrete. This intimidating
Masterplan Public
form relates to the dark, xenophobic attitude of dystopian
Plaza
Denmark in 2024, and is consistent with critical regionalism in rejecting an international style and respecting context.
01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews
refuse to integrate with refugees. This lack of integration
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MUSIC THERAPY CENTRE
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Lecture Space 01
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02
Group Workshop Space 02
StreetMekka Office 01
Personal Workshop Space 03
Specialist staff accommodation 02
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02 03
Lecture Space 01
01 02
Group Workshop Space 02
StreetMekka Office 01
Personal Workshop Space 03
Specialist staff accommodation 02
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02 01
Immigration Office 01 Specialist staff accommodation 02
Personal Workshop Space 01
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01
DEVELOP
02 Reception Space 01
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Performance Space 02
Function:
Immigration office 01
Canteen 03
The Music Therapy Centre provides public spaces accommodating
refugees
and
staff.
Private
spaces
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accommodate only staff. Dividing these two functions is
01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews
the service ‘wall’ (highlighted red) that separates refugees
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02
01
from the private staff spaces. A controlled boundary
Performance Space 01
surrounding the masterplan is informed by current Danish
Storage Space 02
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Reception Space 01 Commercial kitchen 02
immigration policy (Hofverberg, 2017). In existing refugee centres, such as Centre Sandholm near Copenhagen, refugee movement is monitored via gated entrance to the site. The wall provides protection from anti social activities such as the introduction of drugs, prostitution etc. to a vulnerable refugee community.
CIRCULATION
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
MODEL MAKING
Models were fundamental to my design process. From the initial development of massing to final atmospheric investigations. Each model was paramount to shaping the final architecture of the Music Therapy Centre.
01. For this 1:50 detailed model I experienced the craft of mixing and pouring concrete in the university concrete lab. I created the mould for the base and ‘services wall’ of the model with rough timber offcuts to achieve a wood grain finish. The model aided my understanding of the chamfered facade columns and how light would interact
02. Final 1:200 architecture context model crafted with components salvaged from an old desktop computer. Highlighting
the
relationship
between
music
and
technology. Reflecting research finding that refugees access music and culture from home countries through online streaming sites such as ‘YouTube’.
01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews
with the spaces created.
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JOURNEY & ATMOSPHERE
Dark
Light
The physical impact of my architecture aims to reflect the journey of a refugee using light and views to move from darker more intimidating spaces towards spaces that encourage play, music and societal cohesion.
This change reflects the concept that I want to move asylum seekers away from the dark xenophobic narrative and into a lighter more cohesive society within my masterplan where they form new bonds and relationships. Light, therefore, is a pivotal tool to achieving these tectonics within my design
01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews
as the architecture at first uses small openings to funnel
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light in and moves slowly towards colonnades where light pours into spaces such as the double height canteen or the balconies extending from the workshops. In a similar way to the introduction of light, internal views of the performance space are slowly revealed, as well as external views of the masterplan.
‘Refugees face a range of psychosocial and
‘In the process of resettlement, music, movement,
‘Music
also
entrain,
cultural challenges related to geographical and
dance and play, as integral forms of human
synchronise
cultural displacement and trauma experienced ...
experience, offer important ways to connect
offering the excitement, satisfaction, security,
during relocation and resettlement.’
with others, draw comfort, express emotion and
comradeship and cohesion of playing and moving
develop self-esteem, identity and resilience.’
rhythmically together.
movement
co-ordinate
between
and
individuals,
Osborne, Nigel. 2009. “Music for Children in Zones of Conflict and Marsh, K. (2016). Creating bridges: music, play and well-being in
Marsh, K. (2016). Creating bridges: music, play and well-being in
Post-conflict: A Psychobiological Approach.” Oxford University
the lives of refugee and immigrant children and young people.
the lives of refugee and immigrant children and young people.
Press.
01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews
may
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TECHNICAL
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01. Pre-cast concrete panel spanning between piers. 02. Titanium zinc parapet flashing 03. Structural steel
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04.Facing brick 05. Wall cladding pre-cast concrete. 06. Steel lintel 07. Pre-cast concrete paver. 08. Pea gravel. 09. Pre-cast concrete sill supporting PPC-coated steel
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balustrade.
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10. Rigid insulation 150mm 11. Clip-in suspended metal ceiling tiles Polyester Powder
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coated finish 12. Curtain wall glazing system 13. Polished concrete floor 14. Fire stop to slab edge formed in powder coated metal tray.
01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews
15. Wall cladding pre-cast concrete 16. Reinforced Concrete
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17. Rigid acoustic floor insulation 18. Underfloor heating system
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19. Liquid applied waterproofing and drainage mat. 20. Pre-cast concrete fascia. 21. Thermally insulated cantilever connectors
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Isometric facade section. Passive Cooling - Ventilation Stacks
Environmental Strategy Concepts such as reuse of materials, thermal mass and ventilation were all considered within my design. The reuse of materials was important to reduce the building's impact on the natural environment. The high thermal mass of the concrete structure allowed for the storage of heat energy during the day when temperatures are highest and the release of the energy at night. Finally, natural ventilation was assessed within the design and included four ventilation stacks throughout my building along the concrete service core. The ventilation stacks draw hot air up and out of the building across a pressure gradient
Materiality The material palette of the Architecture responds directly to the Danish vernacular and the local context of Valby,
Denmark and is prominent throughout the Copenhagen. To achieve design cohesion with the local context the concrete structure is clad with reused bricks from the demolished buildings of the Valby masterplan site. Recycling building materials aids the sustainability strategy for the Music Therapy Centre.
01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews
Copenhagen. Brick is the traditional building material of
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02 Second Year Studio George Matthews
STUDIO
Perspective collage of approach to the Enterprise Lab and extension to Frome market.
SECOND YEAR
Location: Frome, Somerset, UK. Two studio projects, Enterprise Lab & Twilight Homes.
Second year studio was based in the small market town of Frome in the West of England. On a site visit to Frome my studio explored the town collaboratively with a brief
we were to inform our designs for the two subsequent projects, ‘Enterprise Lab’ and ‘Twilight Homes’. The focus of second year was to introduce students to software based presentation of design. There was a continuous focus on detailed technical design throughout all projects.
02 Second Year Studio George Matthews
to create an analytical document. From this document
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ENTERPRISE LAB
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The Frome Enterprise Lab is an innovation factory aiming
spontaneous interactions. Divergent spaces on level 00
also aid natural ventilation and lighting strategies.exposed
to diversify and regenerate the economy of Frome. The Lab
allow workers to relax and recharge. The indoor activity/
Glulam structure is represented in the office space render
caters for start-up organic food companies with facilities to
break out space, at the centre of the plan, is a key example
(page 23).
create, test and market new products.
of divergent workspace where informal meetings can occur
02 Enterprise Lab George Matthews
surrounded by distraction and unexpected inspiration. In
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The enterprise lab facilitates both divergent and convergent
contrast convergent workspaces mostly occupy the level
thinking to support an optimum working environment . A
01 plan. Removed from the noise pollution of divergent
hierarchy of interior spaces creates a linear pathway through
work spaces, office workers can focus without distraction.
the architecture. Progressing from loud group interactions
Convergent areas are more predictable and less flexible
to quieter more focused workspaces. Divergent workspaces
spaces with more physical barriers to limit collaboration.
mostly occupy the level 00 plan focusing on flexible seating
Both divergent and convergent workspaces are connected
arrangements with limited physical barriers to encourage
by voids in the level 01 plan maintaining cohesion. Voids
Test
Office
Interior render of upstairs office space, with view over the River Frome. Exposed pitched roof Glulam structure references both traditional building techniques and vernacular of the locality.
Create
‘Spontaneous interactions generate knowledge sharing and learning with colleagues. Fruitful grounds for additional insights, these interactions allow for novel connections by affording more access to a variety of perspectives, knowledge, and expertise, both within and
Sailer, Kerstin. “Organizational Learning and Physical Space: How Office Configurations Inform Organizational Behaviors.” In Learning Organizations, edited by Ariane Berthoin, Peter Meusburger, and Laura Suarsana, 103–27. Springer Netherlands, 2014.
02 Enterprise Lab George Matthews
outside an organization.’
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TWILIGHT HOMES ‘Research has already stated the massive effects of movement, social encounters and the like when it comes to preventing and curing lifestyle diseases, loneliness, depression etc.’
Rasmus B. Andersen
Twilight Homes delivers private housing for elderly tenants that require varying levels of care at different stages of retirement. The aim is to reduce loneliness and encourage social interactions in the spaces created.
The social isolation of elderly communities in our cities is commonplace throughout the west. Isolation from the community leads to loneliness and subsequently
02 Faceted Geometry
depression. There is an obvious need for cities to promote and facilitate a healthy, active lifestyle and enable social encounters among a diverse range of the population in order to reduce loneliness and depression. This focus is especially important when considering our often isolated elderly communities. Creating a public space that encourages social interaction is key to the Twilight Homes project.
02 Thoroughfare
Noise and air pollution analysis guides an L shaped plan where the architecture turns its back on the road. The
02 Twilight Homes George Matthews
parti diagram highlights the pathway through the plan
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where commuters can take a short-cut avoiding the busy road which in turn populates the courtyard space. The architecture also responds to context when considering massing respecting the surrounding residential properties.
01 Courtyard
Urban courtyard and thoroughfare for commuters to Frome station. Lift
1 Bed Ap.
Courtyard
Staff Office Reception Lift
reception desk at level 00, gym/rehabilitation centre at levels 01 & 02 and a visitors cafe with viewpoint balcony at level 03. All facilities are open to public membership and therefore encourage social interaction with people of varying ages, helping to reduce loneliness.
02 Twilight Homes George Matthews
The architecture provides a private pool at level -01, security/
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03 Childs & Sulzmann Architects George Matthews
CHILDS & SULZMANN ARCHITECTS
Part 1 Architectural Assistant at Childs & Sulzmann Architects (C&SA) located in Bristol.
Previously working for a C&SA has given me experience engaging
with
demanding
responsibilities
in
an
environment where you have to step-up and cannot hide. On the Longcross Court project for example, I was responsible
to present to the client, M&E and lighting consultants. Responsibilities also included detailed technical design of a proposed polycarbonate light box facade for phase one of the Galleries project. I developed my technical knowledge considerably at C&SA through an iterative and collaborative design process with both project architects and consultants. I believe this experience will set me in good stead throughout my architectural career.
03 Childs & Sulzmann Architects George Matthews
for individually heading a design team meeting on site
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THE GALLERIES Phase One
01 02
03 04
05 ‘Green’ break-out space 01 Co-working office 02 Cafe 03
PLAN
Cycle hub 04 Proposed facade 05
Phase one of the two phase Galleries project considers the
maintenance of moveable parts. Iterations were considered
regeneration of the Galleries Shopping Centre located at the
in the studio with collaborative design workshops hosted
heart of Bristol.
by the project architect. The final design proposed a polycarbonate double skin ‘light-box’ entrance facade
The client brief outlined a desire to renovate empty retail
(right) .
03 The Galleries: Phase One George Matthews
units to create more valuable and desirable co-working
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space. As part of the new commercial branding strategy
At C&SA I was regularly given demanding responsibilities.
for the shopping centre a cycle hub, cafe, break out space
For The Galleries project I worked independently to
and new entrance facade were also proposed. The initial
successfully design the bespoke polycarbonate ‘light-box’
proposal for the entrance facade (visual above-right)
facade detail. Polycarbonate samples from Rodeca ltd. were
suggested moveable interactive panels. I delivered a
used to create 1:1 models exploring the diffusion of light
presentation to the client and design team outlining our
and to answer concerns over the rigidity of the material.
proposals. Client feedback highlighted issues with the
Creating rough models at this scale was integral to the
moveable facade including cost implications and long term
design process.
Residential Block Proposed
THE GALLERIES Phase Two
Office Block Proposed
Commercial ‘Pop-Up’ Proposal Floor Plan Residential Block Level 10
Phase two of the Galleries project involved concept design for two towers overlooking Castle Park in Bristol.
Shipping Containers
The Galleries Shopping Centre
Bristol planning authorities, in 2018, presented a new strategy for the city supporting high rise development. This new strategy initiated The Galleries phase two feasibility
The first tower houses commercial functions including offices, restaurants, gym etc. The second residential tower was to adhere to stringent local planning requirements for social housing. We explored locating shipping container break out space on the roof, making use of the unused car park. C&SA explored and developed proposals in close collaboration with ARUP structural engineers.
Castle Park
03 The Galleries: Phase Two George Matthews
study.
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LONGCROSS COURT
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04
03
02
Renovation of existing offices, courtyard and reception with
for the grade B office units on site.
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new co-working space and cycle hub proposed.
03 Longcross Court George Matthews
I worked collaboratively with M&E, planning, structural
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Interior proposals included the refurbishment of seven
and landscaping consultants. I was involved in the project
of the existing office units and reception space with the
from feasibility stage through to the delivery of the tender
inclusion of a new co-working area and cycle hub. The
package.
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new co-working space created a USP for Longcross and
Private
occupied previously vacant office units.
Public No development
Exterior proposals included new louvre system, Crittall glazing package, signage and paintwork to existing brick facade. These proposals aided the new marketing strategy
Working for a smaller practice I enjoyed a large amount of freedom over design. Bespoke concrete kitchen worktops and exposed M&E were just two of the key design details to create an industrial aesthetic.
I worked collaboratively with graphic designers to agree
The Longcross Court project highlighted the importance of BIM in the construction industry. BIM software was not used at Longcross. As a result communication between Architects and M&E consultants proved challenging in regards to aligning drawings after design iterations.
03 Longcross Court George Matthews
colour schemes and signage for significant spaces.
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04 Other Work George Matthews
Scandinavian Pavilion, Venice - Architect, Sverre Fehn.
OTHER WORK
Work in which I develop my communication skills and broaden my architectural knowledge by experiencing and documenting designs and thoughts.
My drive to discover and master different ways of expressing a feeling or conveying a message guides my interest in the world of design. Travel exposes me to a variety of different design cultures and allows me to practice recording thoughts ideas and moments. Last year visiting the Venice Biennale’s ‘FREE SPACE’ Exhibition where I practiced my photography aiming to capture how people use ‘FREE SPACE’ throughout the city. Sketchbooks are also key to
constantly improve and learn guided my decision to take on private work to obtain planning permission in Clapham, London, for a refurbishment and extension to a ground floor flat.
04 Other Work George Matthews
the documentation of my travels and learning. A desire to
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TREMADOC
04 Tremadoc Road George Matthews
ROAD
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Successful Planning Application: Extension and Refurbishment
well for cross ventilation and the inclusion of light to the
Tremadoc Rd. Clapham, London.
bathroom, kitchen and bedroom spaces. The light well
I was appointed by a private client to obtain planning
also created a balcony area for bedroom two. Proposing a
approval from Lambeth council at Tremadoc Road for a
large opening with bi-fold aluminium doors at the rear of
refurbishment and side extension to the ground floor flat.
the property increases light in the living areas. The side
I submitted a proposal which was subsequently approved
extension expands the interior space but within stringent
by the council. Once approved I handed over designs to a
parameters set out by Lambeth council.
local Architect who proceeded with detail construction drawings.
Key concerns of the client when considering the designs were lack of ventilation, light and space. I proposed a light
Scandinavian Pavilion, Venice - Architect, Sverre Fehn.
SKETCH
PHOTOGRAPHY
BOOKS
Dutch Pavilion: Work, Body, Leisure
Photography allows me to document and capture immediate moments that I experience when travelling. Visiting the 2018 ‘FREE SPACE’ Venice Biennale I aimed to record my
the architectural ‘Free Space’ through out the exhibition.
Where photography captures scenes, sketching captures detail. Studio work is also documented in my sketchbooks. I mostly sketch and annotate ideas, theories and precedents. The successful communication of these ideas to tutors using my sketchbooks benefited me greatly at university.
04 Photography & Sketchbooks George Matthews
experience with photography. I focused on how people use
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George Matthews gmatthews.arch@gmail.com
O I L O F T R O P