skin(s)+bones: part II protection:

emergency dwelling


“ . . . all really inhabited space bears the essence of the notion of home. In the course of this work we shall see that the imagination functions in this direction whenever the human being has found the slightest shelter: we shall see the imagination build ‘walls’ of impalpable shadows, comfort itself with the illusion of protection – or, just the contrary, tremble behind thick walls, mistrust the staunchest ramparts. In short, in the most interminable of dialectics, the sheltered being gives perceptible limits to his shelter. He experiences the house in its reality and in its virtuality, by means of thought and dreams”.

Bachelard, Gaston. The house: from cellar to garret: the significance of the hut.
In The poetics of space, Boston [Mass.]: Beacon Press, 1969. p. 5.


Our analysis and exploration of skins and bones has revealed that skins are complex. They operate to protect, enclose, separate, contain and limit. Skins are manipulated and modified to provide an image and they may reveal or conceal interiority. Bones operate morphologically, that is they determine the underlying shape or geometry of things. Interior skeletal systems support and articulate a body while exterior skeletal system can also protect and shield a body. The relation between skins and bones at first seemed clear and distinct but was revealed to be complex and shifting.

Work in pairs for this part of the project, pair up one skins with one bones. (You don’t have to be from the same studio group, try working with someone new). Use your exploration of skins and bones to design an emergency dwelling for two people.

Manifesto (0-500 words)
To get started on this project you need to prepare a manifesto. A manifesto is a statement of the beliefs, aims, objectives and policies of an organization. Using images and text write/design a manifesto for your emergency dwelling project considering the following:

A scenario for your project –
what is the emergency? Who are the two people who will inhabit it and what is their relationship?

A consideration of site –
the emergency dwelling must in some way graft onto an existing building, or, if it is to be nomadic, then it must include a method/technology for grafting onto other buildings, surfaces or structures. Set out your intention regarding this in your manifesto.

A position on skins and bones-
How will you consider skins and bones in your design? How will skins and bones operate as images, technologies or methodologies in your design? (Use your exploration and research from the last week to discuss this together)

Provision-
What will your dwelling provide? Consider physical needs such as stability of temperature, provision of nutrients and hydration, protection from elements, but also set out what your position will be on comfort, beauty and the role of “thoughts and dreams” in establishing a dwelling.

Use appropriate methods to explore, refine and communicate
your project. You might use a combination of modelling
(analogue and/or digital), drawing, photography and moving image.

The presentation of your project must include a section drawing
(at a scale you find useful) and a detail drawing at scale 1:10

Project time line:
Tues 29 April
Intro to Skins+Bones (part II) Protection: Emergency dwelling
Group pin up Skins+Bones part 1 (and precedent project)
Thurs 1 May: studio

Mon 5 May
8:00 Open Studio
9:00 Seminar: Tim Adams / Body + contemporary architectural theory
Tues 6 May
studio workshops – tutors will run workshops, you sign up for what you want to do.
Thurs 8 May: studio

Mon 12 May Pin Up Skin(s)+Bones (part II) Protection: Emergency dwelling. (This pin up will be with two combined studio groups and may flow over into Tuesday morning)