Ian Ruaraidh Harrison

In thinking of architecture as a 'relational-construct' rather than a purely object based discipline [architecture as the construction of a 'system of meaningful places' (Christian Norberg-Schulz).] the typical approaches to survey appear inadequate. This current research is involved in rethinking the architectural survey. From a practice theory perspective(Michel De Certeau, Tim Ingold) , it is addressing Landscape [an area as perceived by people] as the context for architectural practice. It is unearthing factors [temporal, cultural, social], which are overlooked in an object centred survey, drawing them into the working space of the architect.

Walking is a primary practice in the everyday use of our landscape (Michel De Certeau). Francesco Careri has opened up a new way of approaching walking within the architectural discipline - a new architectural practice of walking as a tool for describing and modifying the experiential landscape. This generative walking [walking which makes] has a practical potential to sit at the centre of performing architecture, as a process for understanding and making place.

The seminar will sketch out a practice theory perspective of everyday landscape and architecture, present past developments in the field of the architectural survey and finally present some walking practice project work, which sits between these two.