The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
About
Location Salford | ARB/RIBA courses BSc (Hons) Architecture, MArch Architecture | Head of school Laura Coucill | Full-time tutors 11 | Part-time tutors 1 | Students 300 | Staff to student ratio 1:20
Undergraduate
Raeven Branch
Course BSc (Hons) Architecture
Studio/unit brief Memory, Community and Innovation (Design Studio 3B)
Project title The Dark Side of Knowledge: Water Street Library and the Memory Enhancement Labs (MEL)
Project description This project sees the traditional library transformed into a repository for human memories and experiences. It proposes a programme where knowledge can be acquired within minutes through the exchange of memories and asks the question ‘what transpires when you exhaust your reservoir of memories?’ The design guides one through the mechanisms of manipulation and demonstrates to influencers how psychological models can be integrated into architecture. The library is divided into three: a space for attracting subjects, one for instilling a sense of security and the third exerts manipulation.
Tutor citation Raeven’s design delves into the ethics of memory and identity manipulation, creating a civic institution demonstrating outstanding creativity, intellectual depth and an understanding of architectural ethics. Ian Owen
