Creating Traditional Prints From 3D Printed Blocks

We ran a workshop recently which got the participants using a mixture of 2D and 3D, traditional skills, and new technologies. We asked them to create a 2D pattern in 3D computer software; we used Rhino with Grasshopper and played with the planes to create a variety of depth and structure to our patterns. Once exported, we set these up as files to 3D print using our Ultimakers and printed out our blocks. These blocks, created using new technology, we’re now tested in the print room where we used 17th Century printing presses to create 2D prints - as seen below. 

An interesting look at different processes, skills, and technologies - and one which will hopefully inspire the students to use the print-room and 3D printers to create something a little more unique. 

Iceland: The Academic Work Trip

I am just back from a short but amazing visit to Reykjavik, Iceland. This was another academic visit where I met with our agent and some local college and university faculty, visited some schools of design, spoke at a recruitment event, gave a lecture on design portfolios, and attended the opening of a Photography exhibition. Even though this was officially a work trip, I arrived a day early so I could have a little look around. 

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My first impressions of Reykjavik were "Wow", it's amazing. The airport is very modern and early to get around. I flew Icelandair from London Heathrow, and they were very welcoming and attentive, which helped as I still had a presentation to put together. My colleague had visited Iceland before so she advised buying transfer bus tickets on the flight as they are slightly cheaper. The bus journey takes about 40 minutes from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, the capital city, and will drop you at the bus station where you can get a smaller bus connection to your hotel. I stayed at Hotel Odinsve which was ideal, the room was adequate with a very comfortable bed, TV, wardrobe, and ensuite shower room. Breakfast was served downstairs in the cute restaurant - check out the bar made of reclaimed doors.  

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The tourist version: picture with a polar bear, the northern lights (not seen or photographed by me) and the winters light of an average day.

The landscape on the approach to the city is just so different from anything I have ever seen. The drive through the lava landscape (something which might be similar to Mars) from the airport into the city is just incredible. The buildings stand out, exposed to all elements, and the weather can change almost every five minutes, at least in winter, which gives way to a stark blank canvas. It's inspiring and has to be said, very Christmassy with fairy lights everywhere. 

This trip was slightly more relaxed than most of the academic visits I get to make and since I had arrived a day early, I used my day to go exploring. I met up with a friend and we drove around looking at the architecture and general neighbourhoods. I love getting out of the tourist areas and getting to see how people live.

We drove out of Reykjavik and headed to the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal hot spring set amongst some incredible landscapes. It is pretty pricey, worth booking online beforehand, but oh so worth it and I will never forget this experience. We sat chatting in the lagoon as it changed from rain to sleet, sleet to snow, and then the sun came back out. It's pretty damn cold outside though so I tried not to get my hair wet. We took shelter from the sleet in the cave where you can listen to some information on the lagoon. There are wooden boxes around the lagoon with the famous silica mud mask for you to try. It's a fantastic experience but one which will dehydrate you so slap on that conditioner and leave it in your hair whilst you soak, and drink plenty of water afterwards. We didn't realise at the time but you can use the swim-up bar for a refreshing drink and pay with your bands so no money needs to be carried, and you can stay warm in the lagoon.

Other than Harpa (the concert hall) and some rather statement churches, the buildings in Reykjavik are not hugely decorative or iconic but Iceland seriously does interiors. I visited KOL, a very trendy restaurant for a delicious meal and some cocktails featuring local ingredients. The Laundromat is a very cool laundrette downstairs/cafe upstairs with a bar of colour-coded bookshelves. It's a great place for a filling breakfast and an opportunity to try the local Skyr (delicious yoghurt). I spotted some great design shops as I walked around the city centre, especially ceramics, and picked up a few interesting gift cards.

I still can't believe how lucky I was to get to visit Iceland, even for a few days, and the Blue Lagoon was a highlight. I loved the crazy and changeable weather, the landscape, the inspiring sculptures and graffiti, the delicious food, the good company, and of course the design schools.

We visited the Reykjavik School of Photography whose exhibition I attended at the Harpa, and the Iceland Academy of the Arts where I took a tour of the different departments - the perfect place to take a ceramics class or just sit at a window in the inspiring studio and draw all day long.

Even though I only had a few days in Reykjavik it made such an impression on me - I can't wait to go back and discover more.

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who’s excited to see more of Iceland?

India: The British Council Architecture Mission

So I am still jet-lagged - it definitely gets worse with age - that aside, let me tell you a little bit about my recent trip to India. I returned a week ago from a three-week trip traveling in north India with the British Council for my University to promote the study of Architecture. We visited different schools of architecture and gave talks on our areas of research and interest, then met with faculty for discussions on possible virtual studios, student/faculty exchanges, and how we can collaborate better and work together.

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I started in Delhi at Pearl Academy where I have visited before and we have some exciting projects planned with them, and an exhibition in the making. I had a little time to myself here to revisit some of my favorite landmarks in New Delhi such as Humayun's Tomb (previously visited (here) for a little restoration update and some sketching, Khan Market for a little shopping and eating, and Connaught Place for, well more food but, a little wandering and to soak up the general street activities and atmosphere. 

The next stop was Mumbai where I met with the British Council for their 'Architecture Mission' and three other academics from other British Universities. We were there to represent the Architecture / Engineering / Interiors subject areas within our Universities and speak on these subjects at nine schools in Mumbai and Pune. We visited four schools in Mumbai before heading onto Pune where we visited three. 

Mumbai is the busiest city I have ever been to and feels the biggest, possibly just because it's so densely populated and built. The schools we visited were in the center but took an hour or so to get from one to the next. Some of these schools were very theory-heavy with very old-fashioned marble-clad lecture rooms which felt daunting though a little reminiscent of a swimming pool too, some were very modern with green-lecture-theatres integrated into the landscape and orientated to consider sunlight, heat, and ventilation. It was difficult to judge the level of student work as most students keep their own work and no record is kept. Some schools were very open to discussions and excited about collaboration and research, one school stood out with student work displayed throughout corridors showing cladding systems, cultural installations, interactive models, and much more. 

Pune is a city I had not visited before so I was interested to see what it had to offer. It felt a lot more laid back, on a different pace, however, due to our hectic schedule we were restricted to seeing the inside of a hotel room, the view of general Indian city streets, the inside of another classroom, and back to the hotel. Two of the schools here were female-only and had a huge amount of students studying architecture which really inspired me. I gave a lecture here in a room filled to the brim with studious young designers asking me questions and eagerly listening to me. I passed one of my business card and was soon swarmed by them all wanting to contact me about their projects. 

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A jam-packed schedule meant that everything quickly blurred into one and days became a little repetitive but the students made the visit, with good discussions and examples of work. On leaving Pune (yup, in an auto-rickshaw, case and all) I took the opportunity to visit Sangam for a night, one of the four Girl Guiding centres in the world. It was the perfect stop in my journey to reflect on my travels, the people I met and the exciting projects ahead. I have been to Pax Lodge in London as a Guide (many years ago) but I know of many other guiding friends who have visited Sangam and so this meant a lot to me. The centre is so peaceful and welcoming, the girls volunteering there are all so friendly and really make feel at home. Some have been there for months, some have just arrived. They volunteer at local schools, community projects and they learn Hindi, yoga, cooking, and much more. The centre has a large campground at the back where local Indian guides and brownies come to camp and they have a jamboree coming up soon. The perfect end to a busy trip.

My Message To Students and Graduates

Why do we do it?

Life as a design student can be super stressful, heck, any course is stressful. Deadlines and tests, reports and presentations, retakes, computers crashing, family and friends calling when you don't really have time to chat, and then the endless having no money, so why do we do it?? 

Well, because (in my opinion) it's an investment in our future; career, skills, personal development/discovery, confidence, character building, and usually it's fun too. Whatever degree you do, in whatever University, city, country, you will probably have a similar experience to another student on a similar course. You might even do the same projects/assignments, software, hear the same anecdotes in a lecture, but your personal journey as a student will vary and it's often when you look back at your years of study that you realize this. 

My Education

I studied Architecture, the whole 7 years. I, as many others did, moved away from home to study in a different city, meet new friends and push my own boundaries, and I'm glad I did. I spent my degree between socializing and studying, building good friendships - who are now great networks within the industry - and graduated very happy and proud of my 2:1. I went on to gain a year’s work experience within a large office, using my year’s salary to purchase a flight and had an amazing three months in Asia and Australia before returning home to do my masters. 

I did my Degree at a technical University and then my Post Graduate studies at a much more creative school of art. I was lucky enough to be awarded a scholarship and completed my Master’s in Japan, where I learned a whole lot more about myself and my abilities than I believe I would have if I had stayed in the UK. I think travel does this to you, it makes you push yourself and find yourself, especially in a country where you can't speak or even read a sign at first...

Upon arriving home, I was once again faced with that big question - what's next, and somehow walked into a good job within an Architecture office. I told myself it'll do for now and a few years later, having now qualified as an Architect, I was packing up my desk and moving on, and off to India!!

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It’s a journey

My point is that life is odd and interesting, it's a journey in itself - but you really can't plan it. When I was a student I worked hard, worried about my degree result, and thought that once I had a degree then I'd be sorted and I'd work as an Architect for the next 20-30years, but it's just not that straightforward.

The twists and turns

I thought I'd eventually work at a University, teaching architecture and design, but I imagined I'd be retired. Never did I dream I'd be doing it now, in my 30s, having achieved what I have been where I have, doing what I have, and still loving it as much as I do. 

Work experience

A lot of my students are either out on their first work placement or in the last few weeks of their final year’s major project, and worrying about their next step. Their path might be straightforward and for others maybe not but you just have to go with it, and make the most of it. 

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Top 10 Tips for students and graduates:

1. (try) don't worry, enjoy your time at University because it will probably only happen once

2. Take it all in, the little things; the laughs, the lectures, the hangovers, the study trips, the good grade...

3. Make your work you, be proud of it and show yourself throw it, don't do what you think your lecturer wants

4. If in doubt, "fake it 'til you make it" - a phrase we said a lot but often it's while you're faking it that you learn to be it

5. Be open-minded and stay open-minded, don't let what it might look like on your CV hold you back

6. Think outside the box and live outside the box - travel - get a map, a passport, some vaccinations, and go on an adventure, or five!!

7. Get a good camera and really record your journey(s)

8. Stay as inspired as you can, read lots, speak to others and listen, and inspire others by sharing

9. Trust in your path, whichever one you chose, it will just work out and you will be fine.

10. It's all an experience, be unique and be proud of your achievements - if you want better than 'fine' then you gotta make it happen.

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I hope this helps you, whether you are a student, graduate, or alumni. Be proud of what you have done and given, do more, and inspire others - and if you know someone studying right now then why not send them a note or parcel or just some positive thoughts.

The Story Behind My Taj Mahal Drawing

The Taj Mahal in India is regarded as the finest example of Mughal architecture. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and is widely recognized as the jewel of Muslim art in India. The Taj Mahal is a very important and iconic piece of art and architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

This hand drawing was created from photographs and sketches I did the day I visited the Taj Mahal with my close friends to celebrate and mark our 30th birthdays, a few years ago now. We started our day around 5am so we could beat the crowds, took an auto-rickshaw to the gates, and paid our entrance fee. Walking down the path, you could feel the excitement build up amongst us. As we walked through the old arches we were met with the famous view looking straight at the Taj Mahal, reflecting in the water and trees lining the pathways. 

A few hours of walking around and taking it all in, we sat and reflected on where we were, together as friends, in this amazing setting. I love this last picture because it reminds me of the all vibrant colours in India, the bright orange, the mint green, the pretty blues, the array of pinks, so beautiful. 

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open for commissions

5 Tips To Create Your Perfect Studio/Office

Welcome to my studio, aka home-office but I'm guessing that's what many people are rocking. Today I'm taking you through my studio setup and offering up my 5 top tips to help you in creating yours. Art, design, and crafting can [and does] take over our homes, and whilst this can be amazing, it can also drive others insane. My Dad used to threaten to 'clean' with a black plastic bag. 

But that doesn't stop us. 

In my apartment, of course, I have a studio. It’s in the corner of our living room and separated by an open bookshelf for privacy. I have amazing daylight from our south-facing windows out to the balcony and a wall with my certificates and some artwork on it.

My desk has everything I need on it, or by it, and it can get pretty cluttered...it's organized chaos.

1. Pick a location with lots of natural light

   but also power sockets for artificial light. I sit near the window so I get natural light, and a view of the neighbours but I am not too distracted by what is going on outside.

2. Surround yourself with inspiration

   This will be different for everyone but for me, it’s pictures of family and friends, inspirational quotes, images and art, stationery, and so on. I have some of my work framed to remind me of my recent works and I use objects I use regularly as display pieces too.

3. Set the atmosphere

   I do this with music. I have a Sonos speaker and I use the Apple Music app or the Calm app. I love a bit of background noise to distract my mind and all those random thoughts, or an audiobook on audible - I'm currently listening to The Happiness Project. I also love scented candles and often have one or two burning as I work.

4. Stay organized

   we all love stationery and washi tapes and paper and so on but clutter will only distract and put you off. Make your desk welcoming and easy to work at. Use cups, glasses, empty candleholders, or whatever you can to help store all those pens and pencils you have.

5. Workspace and surface

   keep this relatively empty so you always have a space to start a new project and remember to protect the surface you're working on. I use a large cutting mat to protect the tabletop and often put down a large sheet of white paper as a background for photos. The more you have lying around, the more your mind will wander to it. Even if that pile of to-do papers aren’t a priority, the fact they are sitting on your desk means your mind is thinking about them, even when you think it’s not.