“I don’t want to die under a false ceiling”

Louis Kahn - paraphrased in Encyclopedia of Architectural Technology by Jaqueline Glass

Beyond the Ceiling is a space that hosts my evolving ideas around the boundary between technology and craft. We hear of how automation and artificial intelligence will start to become commonplace in our day to day lives, and will change the nature of work. I’m interested in what the effect of this will be on the construction industry; how automation as a tool can support designers, makers, builders and occupants to realise high quality and highly sustainable built environments.

I’m interested in the interfaces between materials and systems, and how we can best use automation as a means to support and improve construction as a process.

The above quote by Louis Kahn and reference to false ceilings in many ways epitomises the inefficiencies in construction. Hiding away the working parts of a building can allow for lazy design where often overly complex systems are covered up and hidden away behind layers.

I am interested in how we can reduce unnecessary complexity and messiness in design and the built environment, and am undertaking research that explores how new technologies can be beneficially used to make more simple, rather than more complex - and to help and support people, rather than hinder. I’m interested in the positive opportunities that tech could offer to create efficient, generous and comfortable spaces for all.

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