Continuity in Architecture actively pursue a Future for the Already Built. This search for an alternative to the expected redevelopment of towns, cities, places, landscapes, buildings and interiors is grounded in the theories of Contextualism (Schumacher, 1971). As such, the atelier is committed to the synthesis of urban settings, the teaching of building design, the analysis of craft, and the search for detail and ornament.
This year the MArch students worked closely with BA3 students in partnership with the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan. This collaboration directly linked to ongoing Continuity in Architecture research into the sympathetic development of Small Settlements - producing work that is bold, progressive and future-proof, yet entirely appropriate to place.
Students have produced work with appropriate responses to water and flooding, redundant structures, infill sites and additions to the distinctive skyline. A seminar series titled ‘Remember, Reveal, Construct’ explored texts and contextual precedents. Field trips to Edinburgh and Amsterdam stimulated responses to brick and waterside architecture. Factory visits led to ornamental revival.
MArch 2 students tackled the challenges of intractable sites across the historic core of Shrewsbury, including the historic Town Prison, the Library, the two large empty shopping centres, and the site of an infamous gas explosion. These creative, innovative and progressive projects look towards an uncertain global future by extending what is valued from the collective past.
Let this small monument record the name of Cadman, and to future time proclaim now by'n attempt to fly from this high spire across the Sabrine stream he did acquire his fatal end...The Memorial to Robert Cadman, C18th daredevil
Pushing the boundaries of technology has its dangers, as the spectacular demise of Shrewsbury’s trumpeting hero of the zipwire testifies. Nevertheless, combining theories of Contextualism with apposite case studies, theoretical texts and craft factory visits, we work to expand knowledge through addressing the challenge of difficult sites and awkward buildings in a rapidly changing world.
In the last twelve months, students from the atelier have won the highly prestigious Architect’s Journal ‘Post-Graduate Project of the Year’ prize, were one of just ten architecture student projects in the international magazine: Wallpaper, and have been featured in the graduate issue of Blueprint.
