The Growing Space

The lightweight building is the outcome of the Live Studio project by the Master Design Studio DS20, led by Maria Kramer with Corinna Dean. Live projects create a learning platform for students to expand on their role as citizen architects. The Growing Space runs a dynamic programme to expand the charity’s reach, running therapeutic gardening for social prescribing and workshops for local schools as well as providing income through rental of the popular space. The architecture was developed as part of a collaborative process expressing a language of frames with cross bracing and dry construction, with all elements pre-cut with 3-d printed pegs so that the construction time of the structure only took approximately 10 days. The base has six discreet pad foundations with paving slabs, wrapped with polycarbonate. The inverted roof creates a generous gutter for rainwater harvesting, which irrigates the propagated plants as part of the learning and growing cycle. With the building becoming a glowing beacon at night. Live Projects: Expanding architectural education the students from the Masters Live Studio benefited from executing a built project, from the conception to community engagement, briefing, design and making, involving them in the complete construction cycle before they enter the architectural profession. “Students gain direct, hands-on experience, enhancing and broadening their range of skills, and develop their confidence through engaging with stakeholders and construction professionals whilst leaving a legacy to the community and creating social value, senior lecturer and architect Maria Kramer said: “Live projects provide a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between spatial, political, financial and social factors in connection with our lived urban experience