‘Architecture Laboratory’ by Edzafirah Eddie
Master of Applied Design in Architecture (2019-2021)
Oxford Brookes University, UK
Key supervisors: Mike Halliwell, Scott Sworts, Hannah Durham
keywords: mathematics, mereology, discrete architecture, laboratory, fabrication, machines, robotics, adaptive reuse
Architecture Laboratory: Exploring Mathematics of Architecture in Oxford. Architecture Laboratory is a research and development centre for Discrete architecture that uses machines and robotics to produce fabrication of architectural products. The building programme consist of visitor centre, administration, temporary accommodation, and laboratory facilities. The laboratory functions as a hub for researchers, architects, and other construction discipline users. It is also for public and students as an educational purpose as it will be under the physics and engineering science department of Oxford University. The project is located at the old Osney Power Station which is at the west of Oxford. The site is near the edge of the River Thames that has an existing building which can be seen from the Osney Bridge. It is within a residential area at Arthur St and Russel St. The existing building has an elegant Victorian Façade facing the river and a height of 5 story warehouse. The conceptual process of the project is based on the DSR studio brief that one must pick an artist or artisan as a precedent character. So, this project evolve around the chosen maker’s concept, Gilles Retsin and Discrete Architecture. Discrete Architecture involves the use of automation and robotics as part of its creative process to fabricate an architectural product. By looking into the Discrete concept of Gilles Retsin, the project has evolves around the Mereology theory. Mereology is a mathematical study of parts and the entities they form. The process relates back to a walk in Oxford City where an observation of the city’s architectural elements was done. The observation data along the walk was translated using the Mereology method of study. Then, the data is translated into a structure that is used in form making, structural system and other architectural designs in the project. The Oxford Mereology Structure (OMS) has become a huge part of the process which involves several stages.
Edzafirah Eddie / MArchD / Oxford Brookes / 2019-21
I am Edzafirah Eddie, from Malaysia. I did research-based studios during master’s degree at Oxford Brookes University. A passionate LEGO collector. So I perceived architecture to be like kit of parts which involves prefabrication, instructions & assemblies. But with a hint of Mathematics theory in the process.
