Approach
The Pragmatic
My approach to architecture is highly analytical and research driven. I strive to understand and unpack all aspects of the client, context and brief early in a project in order to design without assumptions.
I explore design as a balancing act between internal forces applying outwards pressure (accommodation) and external forces applying inwards pressure (site conditions & context). This is best seen in my thesis, where the external envelope of the building was a product of the spatial requirements of the council chamber (internal) and the existing monuments and pedestrian circulation paths (external). Within the tension between these forces is an opportunity to explore spatial experiences and forms that are truly unique and genuine.
The Poetic
I pair this pragmatism with an intense focus on the end-user experience. I try to inhabit my work through the creation of scenes, characters and stories: "The wife sits here with her coffee in the dappled morning light enjoying the view." / "The ANC councillor has a quiet word with their DA counterpart in the alcove off the main chamber." / "The pilgrim lays their mat on the polished stone, cool beneath their feet."
This provides a glimpse of the people who may inhabit the building in the future, and is a useful method for creating layers of thoughtfulness and intent throughout every aspect of a project.
