Creative Theories 2 : Thinking and Making

Amidst our collective exploration of Wymering Manor, a profound question emerged within me as I contemplated potential interventions: Does it truly need to change? Delving into the rich history, intangible stories, and cultural significance of the manor, I reached a resolute conclusion—it yearns not for transformation but preservation. A preservation that respects its identity and the legacy woven into its very walls. This contemplation sparked a creative journey, urging me to consider how to safeguard the manor's essence without altering its intrinsic design permanently. This process evolved into a nuanced exploration of not just architecture but history, heritage, and the celebration of stories. Wymering became a canvas for a unique kind of artistry—one that seeks to preserve rather than reinvent. It inspired a perspective that views the manor not merely as a structure but as a repository of heritage, a living testament to bygone eras. With this realization, the decision to int...

  In the beginning, I wanted everyone to dive into the enchanting world of scrape painting, so I handed out blank canvases and encouraged each person to contribute dots, just like how people's individual efforts shape Wymering into a living entity. The room buzzed with excitement as colors splashed across the canvases, and it was heartening to see everyone so eager and joyful in their creative expressions. During the presentation, I took the stage and performed a live demonstration, expressing my feelings and expectations through the scrape painting. I wove in the concept by showing lidar scans of sections above the painting, attempting to convey how the scrape painting mirrored the mosaic created by the community's efforts in Wymering Manor. However, it seemed like my explanation fell short, and Rokshid and Mark couldn't quite grasp the connection between the scrape painting and my vision for the Wymering model. Despite their appreciation for the scrape painting techni...

  Embarking on the journey of collecting data with my peers at Wymering Manor, I found myself immersed in a cinematic experience that transcended the mundane. It was like those instances when you watch a film, and later in life, you encounter a situation reminiscent of that cinematic narrative. The resonance between my experiences at Wymering Manor and a profound cinematic connection became evident during our collaborative discussions and the creation of a collective collage. As we delved into conversations about our activities and discoveries within the manor, the collage began to take shape as a visual representation of our shared endeavors. In a moment of contemplation, it struck me – this collective creation bore a striking resemblance to the Room of Requirement in the Harry Potter series. The parallel was not in the physicality, but in the essence of its purpose. In the wizarding world, the Room of Requirement manifests itself when an individual is in dire need. Similarly,...

Reflecting on my past semester's research on repurposing and textile art, the idea of incorporating fishnets into my current project sparked a connection with the wealth of information I had gathered. It was intriguing to delve back into the research material I already possessed and explore how the insights gained could align with and enrich my current conceptual thinking. What unfolded was a fascinating discovery – certain artists from my previous research shared a resonance with the very essence of my current project. As I revisited the research, I couldn't help but draw parallels between my conceptual thinking and the work of these artists. The connection   added an exciting layer to my exploration. It was a testament to the interconnectedness of ideas and how the seeds planted in one research endeavour could bloom into meaningful connections in another. The artists' approaches, materials, and transformative processes mirrored aspects of my own vision for the project, ...

  In my exploration of community art and the vibrant interactions in Wymering, I stumbled upon the fascinating technique of scrape painting. It's a method where individual efforts blend together to create abstract sketches of people, capturing the essence of a community. Inspired by this, an idea struck me on how to visually represent the collective efforts of the Wymering community. Imagine this – dots of various colors scattered in a seemingly random way, each dot symbolizing an individual effort within the community. These dots represent the diverse contributions made by different people at different times. The beauty lies in the uniqueness of each dot, reflecting the individuality of community members. Now, envision these colourful dots collectively scraped together. As we scrape, we're not erasing or diminishing individual efforts; instead, we're combining them to form a beautiful mosaic of colors. This act of scraping mirrors the collaborative efforts in Wymering,...

  Lecture on sustainable materials by Rokshid was incredibly enlightening and has expanded my understanding of the diverse array of materials available for design. Rokshid delved into the realm of earth-based solutions, shedding light on how embracing new materials can unlock a world of possibilities. The discussion was particularly intriguing as she covered a spectrum of materials like chitin hemp, mycelium, cork, and straw, illustrating various design projects that harnessed the potential of these innovative resources. Ever since I began my journey in the field of architecture during my bachelor's program, sustainability has been a constant theme in our studies. We've delved into the impact of harmful materials on the world and the need for eco-friendly design solutions. Throughout my master's program, there have been numerous lectures on sustainable products, but strangely, the context of Portsmouth city was rarely brought into the discussion. It wasn't until I vis...

ख़याल ...  Khyāl  (خیال) is an  Urdu  word of  Arabic  origin which means imagination, thought, ideation, meditation, reflection. As I shared my model and its inspiration with my peers and tutors during the presentation, the positive feedback and encouragement I received were truly heartening. The suggestion to explore different angles and observe the motion of the balls from various perspectives added a layer of dynamism to my model, making it even more engaging for everyone involved. The interactive nature of the model seemed to resonate well, sparking curiosity and inviting deeper exploration.  The feedback from my presentation pinpointed key areas for my poster's improvement. I'm committed to refining the visual hierarchy to enhance clarity and ensure important information stands out. Achieving a balanced composition to avoid visual clutter is a priority, and I'll focus on maintaining consistency in theme and colour scheme to align with Wymering Ma...

Embarking on the task of creating a model to encapsulate my understanding of Wymering Manor proved to be a novel challenge, unfamiliar in its demand for a sensory exploration of architectural nuances. This endeavour required me to step out of my comfort zone, engaging in activities that invited a unique understanding of space. Reflecting on discussions with Sebastian and Mark, a revelation dawned upon me as I contemplated the dual nature inherent in both the dismantled furniture and the manor . The furniture parts revealed a fascinating duality—it was crafted from particle board, a sturdy yet unremarkable material, and adorned with veneer sheets to enhance its aesthetic appeal. This parallel resonated with the enduring nature of Wymering Manor, where the passage of time took its toll on the structure, yet external beauty persisted through meticulous care. This realization sparked a deep curiosity within me, leading me to ponder the invaluable role played by the community over the yea...

  The Kucha Pecha presentation delved into the exploration of sensory activities conducted at Wymering Manor and their subjective interpretations among participants. My contribution began with a personal reflection, sharing my experiences and emotions tied to the space. What unfolded was a fascinating revelation of diverse encounters as others added their perspectives, highlighting the nuanced ways individuals connect with the same environment. A poignant moment was the sharing of a poem I crafted about Wymering Manor. The resonance it found among the audience underscored a collective sentiment, capturing the shared essence of our feelings toward the manor. The poem served as a unifying thread, weaving together our varied encounters into a coherent narrative that encapsulated the essence of Wymering. The presentation also incorporated the research I conducted, focusing on the architectural aspects inspired by the insights gained from the article "The Matter of Manor." Thi...

When faced with the challenge of transforming a piece of furniture into a creation inspired by Wymering, I found myself standing at the threshold of uncertainty. Anxious thoughts swirled in my mind, but amid the apprehension, a simple mantra echoed: "trust the process." With this silent assurance, I set out on a quest through the aisles of a charity shop, searching for the perfect canvas of transformation. The choices seemed overwhelming—grand, imposing pieces or diminutive fragments that failed to captivate. Then, serendipity intervened in the form of a wooden CD storage unit adorned with a captivating veneer. It was a humble beginning, but one filled with the promise of metamorphosis. Opting to dismantle the piece at home became a tactile communion with the wood—a ritual that unfolded as I grappled with the challenges of disassembly. The furniture arrived at the workshop in a partially disassembled state, a testament to the journey it had undertaken. Amidst the fragments ...

  When I visited Wymering Manor, I  along with a friend , saw a beautiful painting of a market scene with lots of colours. At first, it seemed like a joyful community gathering. However, as I looked closer, I noticed that there was more to it. The painting actually showed different emotions and suggested that there were differences in social class among the people in the market. This reminded me of a video I watched a few months ago about an abstract painting. Abstract art is when shapes and colours come together in a way that might not make obvious sense at first. Just like my friend saw the market painting as a lively scene without noticing the emotions and social differences, people often see abstract art in different ways. Abstract paintings can seem like a mix of colours and shapes, but if you spend time looking at them, you might discover hidden details and stories. Both the market painting and abstract art show that our first impression might not tell the whole s...

As you accompany Belinda on her annual visits to Wymering Manor, you can't help but notice the unmistakable glint of curiosity in her eyes, a spark that seems to intensify with each passing year. It's not just a routine analysis for her; it's a profound exploration that goes beyond the mere study of architecture and stories. Wymering Manor holds a special place in her heart, and her fascination with it is palpable. Despite the countless times she has ventured into its halls, guiding different sets of students through its mysteries, there's an enduring sense of wonderment that lights up her expression. In her company, Wymering Manor transforms  from a static architectural relic to a dynamic tapestry of history and  intrigue. The glitter in her eyes tells a story of a scholar who sees more than  just stone and mortar—a storyteller captivated by the narratives that echo  through the corridors. With Belinda, each visit becomes an opportunity to add  another chapter ...