Conference
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Thomas Randall-Page is an architectural designer and lecturer at the Architectural Association and Oxford Brookes University. In 2014 Thomas started his own architectural studio in Hackney. Prior to this he worked for both Heatherwick Studio and 6A Architects on a wide range projects from Churchill College Cambridge, to Coal Drops Yard in London and 1000 Trees in Shanghai.
About the lecture:
The diversity of the practice’s portfolio is intentional, ranging both scale and permanence, from the recently completed 250m2 Art Barn in Devon, to the competition winning AirDraft, an inflatable experimental floating arts venue (co-designed with Benedetta Rogers). The core of the studio’s work is unmistakably architectural, yet it prides itself on taking on design challenges which border or even trespass on other disciplines. Despite this variety, playfulness and delight are always essentials.
A thread that runs through the work is a fascination with materials, making processes and craft. Every project’s scenario is unique, and each requires a different approach, so the practice tailors a team specifically to each project, working closely with kindred spirits in design, handpicked consultants, specialists and craftspeople. Given this bespoke and cross-disciplinary attitude the studio has had a wealth of collaborators from other architects, designers and artists to theatre makers, fabric engineers and digital fabricators. With this fluidity comes an understanding of when outside specialist skills are key and conversely when one can take the initiative and do something normally outsourced oneself. This has led to building many projects in-house, working with groups of students, volunteers from a local community, or engaging directly trades, makers and craftspeople. By listening hard, the practice seeks to understand the complexity every project brings and works to find beautiful solutions and fresh potential for joy in each.
