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#WIP: Work in progress

Shelter is one of the fundamental needs of mankind. Therefore construction or creation is a fundamental act. We are constantly constructing, demolishing and rebuilding. It represents us, defines us and identifies us. We are never finished, and constantly improving and expressing ourselves. We are work in progress.

We believe this idea of “work in progress” is very tangible at, and characteristic for the Columbia and Brunswick Wharf, a formal industrial area, an area of “creation”. The wharf is still used for creation but in a more creative and expressive way. We like to see it as an area for celebration of creation.

Our proposal, a scaffolding structure, also celebrates this idea of work in progress. We think scaffolding is symbolic for work in progress. Scaffolding is used for the purpose of constructing something, it wraps around a building and plays a seductive game of showing and hiding and in the end unveiling the building. Our proposal plays with this idea and looks like something almost finished (or unfinished) ready to reveal itself, open for imagination. A work in progress.

We propose bamboo as a scaffolding material because we think it is an environmental and friendly material. Bamboo also adds to the heterogenous atmosphere of the side, being a different material but also deriving from a different culture. Bamboo scaffolding never encloses a space, feels always as an open space, continuous and light-weight. Space and form are equal in importance. Bamboo scaffolding is super flexible, quick to assemble, disassemble and reuse. It can be very playful, a big climbing attraction.

The form is made out of 3 archetypal elements; steps, wall and tower. The steps form a public area and invite to enjoy the view and sun. The wall has a protecting function. The tower functions as a viewpoint and at the same time a beacon.

Vegetation is added to the structure; again a work in progress. The vegetation adds to the idea of a structure which is unfinished and nature is taking over. The vegetation makes the structure friendly in appearance and also contrasts nicely with the industrial buildings.

During night the structure will be illuminated in a subtle way by a festoon (construction) lighting chain, adding to the idea of celebration and creation.

We propose also a “work in progress” construction method. Never finished and flexible to adapt. We’re thinking to ask an expert advisor from Hong Kong (where bamboo scaffolding is still used) to help and supervise while constructing the structure. We believe this bamboo scaffolding knowledge could also be interesting for universities in London, a cultural exchange.

Work in progress.

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