be brave . believe

Diploma Unit 15 Nic Clear and Simon Kennedy

Programme 10-11: On the development of various methodologies, tactics and skills that try to inform the production and realisation of a wide range of architectural forms, concepts and practices in order to promote survival and happiness in uncertain times.

The key concept for Unit 15 this year is uncertainty; uncertainty will be embraced as a positive as well as a negative term.

Uncertainty will force us to be creative, speculative and critical. Uncertainty will also make us sceptical about the architectural profession and any so-called experts who profess certainty.

We may be uncertain about what we are going to do? Why we are doing it? How we will do it? Where it will be done? And who is going to pay for it? However we must do something so we will do the best that we can, we are certain of that.

We will question traditional architectural certainties, specifically traditional forms of architectural representation and traditional value systems. We will question the certainties of form, structure and programme and we will create open and contingent forms of knowledge that allow us to flourish as designers and as people.

The year will start with a series of short exercises that will begin a dialogue from which the projects will emerge. The structure of these exercises will enable students to develop skills through which they are able to creatively explore their own uncertainties.

We are also certain that the work of the Unit will be fantastic and will be disseminated through seminars, screenings, blogs, exhibitions and publications to an audience well beyond the confines of the Bartlett.

Unit 15 use film, animation and motion graphics to generate, develop and represent uncertain architectural spaces and narratives.

*uncertainty* - definitely need courage to face it.