Chapter 1 of 24
Stratford Market Depot. Aerial View
Our work has been closely linked with engineering and in particular, bridges, railway structures and industrial buildings.
My interest in structures developed as a young architect working at Foster Associates and has continued throughout my career, inspired by working with good engineers.
However, I am also a keen artist and I don't believe that technology alone should form the basis of architecture. I have always sought something in addition, the X factor, which provides depth and an uplifting element to the architecture.
Each project is different, but with my partner, Jim Eyre, we always start by analysing the pure functions of the problems and give ourselves the maximum time to allow ideas to emerge which will shape the form of the solution. There is nothing new here, but we draw inspiration from the broadest sources including fine art, pure science and nature.
As architects, I believe we must try to broaden our minds and experiences to the full. It is up to us to understand the latest technology, social trends and environmental issues. Buildings are an important resource and provide the opportunity for us to express our culture. There can be no excuses for inefficient and poorly designed buildings for they generally out-last their designers and those who commission them.