Plan of Londonia
The matrix of closed -loop energy cycles, monuments and type
Axonometric study of the relationship of the 4 architectural types
Axonometric study of the relationship of the 4 architectural types II
A MANUAL TOWARDS A NEW LONDON
Final Year Thesis Bartlett, UCL
A Manual Towards a New London is a speculative project exploring the conception of an independent London and new ways of living. To signify a clear disjunction from Old London, a new architectural order is introduced through the 5 points of Londonia's declaration of independence. The values and ideals as proposed by the declaration is manifested architecturally through the building of new monuments to Londonia as well as the design of 4 distinct typologies: Community workhouse(work), House of Consumables (leisure), School of Social Etiquette (education), and the House of beds and ladders (dwelling). The 4 types provide specific instructions of how citizens to New London are expected to live and interact with one another. To assist in the inculcation of a shared common identity, a common social etiquette is imposed on Londonia's inhabitants through specifically designed components within the 4 types. In opposition to Alexander Klein's The functional house for Frictionless living, 1928, components and spaces are designed to increase the possibility of accidental encounters and social friction to provoke the inhabitants into tolerance and good behaviour. Doors that are only operable with the cooperation of two people (The After-you door), tables that fold on the person when one's dining partner leaves the table prematurely (The Balancing-act table) etc, allegorically represents the ideals of Londonia as a society where the overall good of community is highly valued over individual wants and desires. The autonomy of Londonia is further expressed through the 4 types functioning as parts of a closed loop and off-grid energy supply through self-sufficient community based practices. Beyond the physical proposal of a speculative prototype, the project is also plays on the idea of symbolism and allegories of power as a socio-political critique of Singapore.
A Manual Towards a New London is a speculative project exploring the conception of an independent London and new ways of living. To signify a clear disjunction from Old London, a new architectural order is introduced through the 5 points of Londonia's declaration of independence. The values and ideals as proposed by the declaration is manifested architecturally through the building of new monuments to Londonia as well as the design of 4 distinct typologies: Community workhouse(work), House of Consumables (leisure), School of Social Etiquette (education), and the House of beds and ladders (dwelling). The 4 types provide specific instructions of how citizens to New London are expected to live and interact with one another. To assist in the inculcation of a shared common identity, a common social etiquette is imposed on Londonia's inhabitants through specifically designed components within the 4 types. In opposition to Alexander Klein's The functional house for Frictionless living, 1928, components and spaces are designed to increase the possibility of accidental encounters and social friction to provoke the inhabitants into tolerance and good behaviour. Doors that are only operable with the cooperation of two people (The After-you door), tables that fold on the person when one's dining partner leaves the table prematurely (The Balancing-act table) etc, allegorically represents the ideals of Londonia as a society where the overall good of community is highly valued over individual wants and desires. The autonomy of Londonia is further expressed through the 4 types functioning as parts of a closed loop and off-grid energy supply through self-sufficient community based practices. Beyond the physical proposal of a speculative prototype, the project is also plays on the idea of symbolism and allegories of power as a socio-political critique of Singapore.
