From Boundaries to Belvederes
London Festival of Architecture, 2019
An analysis of boundaries is central to the study and understanding of rural landscapes and urban form. Whether it is the distinctive vernacular enclosures and field boundaries which subdivide the countryside, the transitional territory between city quarters, or the controlled public-to-private realm doorstep thresholds which articulate our streetscapes, all are significant in defining local identity and creating a sense of place.
As architects and urban designers, we are drawn to settlement boundaries which have become promenades and where the transition between city neighbourhoods is celebrated by defined yet permeable structures – loggias. We search for the moments along the edge where framed views become places to pause and interact: Where Boundaries become Belvederes.
The exhibition explored these moments and the nature and importance of boundaries in buildings and settlement design through the study of five recent projects by Proctor and Matthews Architects.
Where do Houses Live?
London Festival of Architecture, 2018
“If people live in houses where do the houses live? If they are homeless all we are left with is the typical endless, featureless suburbia.” Gordon Cullen, Maryculter, 1974
An exhibition of projects by Proctor and Matthews Architects explored the issues of identity and sense of place and offered an approach to the design of new neighbourhoods which is anchored in the social, environmental and cultural contexts specific to each location.
From the design of an extension to an existing settlement on the edge of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders, to proposals for a new neighbourhood quarter to the north of Cambridge, the exhibition outlined the creation of a design narrative.
Courtyards and Communality: models for contemporary living
London Festival of Architecture, 2017
The contemporary interpretation of almshouses is the focus of several of the studios recent projects including; Steepleton, Tetbury, The Chapter House, Lichfield, John Dower House, Cheltenham and Hargood Close, Colchester. The exhibition and discussion chaired by Chris Foges, Editor of Architecture Today, considered the social implication of this historic typology and the role it might play in providing future models for later living and general needs housing.
A Celebration of Peabody Architecture and Design
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, 2017
A Narrative of Place
London Festival of Architecture, 2016
An exhibition of recent work exploring two distinct themes – 'Urban Peripheries' and 'A Narrative of Place'. Four projects formed the focus of the exhibition including South Thamesmead, The Ridgeway Village, Abode at Great Kneighton and Mountfield Park.
Pattern Place Purpose
The Jerwood Space, London, 2009
Integrity & Craftsmanship
Art Workers Guild, London, 2008
Kak Zhit, Ways of Living
Moscow Architecture Biennale, Moscow, 2008
Spring Green 2008: Suburban Futures
Bristol, 2008
On the Threshold: The Changing Face of Housing
Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2006
Prefabulous Homes
Building Design Centre, London, 2005
Urban Life: Housing in the Contemporary City
New York, 2005
Coming Homes
Royal Institute of British Architects Gallery, London, 2003
Building Design
Greenwich Millennium Village, London, 2002
Greenwich Millennium Village
Building Centre Trust, London, 2001
The Artworkers Guild
Architecture Week, London, 2001
Living Design Exhibition
British Council, London 1997-1998
Working Details
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, 1996
Architects Journal 100
Centenary Exhibition, Business Design Centre: Projects Review, London, 1995
Spatial Play
Royal Institute British Architects, London, 1994
The Work of Proctor and Matthews
Kent Institute of Art and Design, 1994
The Art of the Structural Engineer
Royal Institute of British Architects, London, 1994
