Reading 3

Totally spaced on putting the third reading reflection up, my bad :S

After reading about Lyons practice I found it interesting how they used almost like a uni classroom approach to their initial stages of design. Collaboration and workshop, especially at that stage of design can create countless viable options. This team orientated design would create a more consistent timeframe of output because of a constant evaluation process by other peers.

The ornamentation and abstractions are obviously what has given this firm its renown but I was very interested in how the firm approaches a building or institution not by ‘what it is’ but by ‘what it can be’. Personally, I believe it is the most innovative approach to analysing because as stated it takes away assumptions and stereotypes that are present in a functional building and unlocks new potential and use.

I was also impressed by the way this firm conducted their research into the hospital by talking one on one with people who had experience. Not just people who worked in a hospital but patients, visitors and onlookers.

I also thought the way that the firm included the client was fantastic. By including them in the design stages allows the client to watch potential designs unfold and gain complete understanding of the building.

What resonated with me the most though was the quote ‘Lyons is in the business of ideas’.