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The Lea Fishery

Part 1 Project 2003
James Curtis
 Oxford Brookes University Oxford | UK
As the human population of the Lea Valley increases, the fish population
depletes, it's disappearance being barely visible. Mundane modellings of suburban
structures are put in place for humans, while fishermen observe shoal
locations.

Architectures of expansion, contraction, ritual, risk, survival and
extinction coexist on the edges of river and bank.

Physical indicators like smoke, slip streams, fish leaps, flashes of light,
and attempts at containment of momentary presences, shoal movements and
slippery skins depict an itinerary for disappearance.

Eventually the fish shacks will be abandoned, leaving a patina of chars,
brine, skin, bones, and coloured dyes on the landscape.


The year was structured as a continuous programme of research, sub divided into series of interconnecting episodes. As architect explorers, students were asked to consider drawings as sites of speculative construction, objects of manufacture, test sites, filters, employing facts and half-truths. Individual architectural positions developed, relationships and scenarios seen as structuring devices for new programmes, were sited in the Lea Valley

Jim is un-intimidated by the production of architectural imagery. Drawings are treated as active instruments for invention and reappraisal, displaying energy and freshness. Often our role as tutors was more that of editors to an unpublished work. The portfolio is raw emotion, direct, searching and restless.




2003
The landscape of the fishery. Smoke, brine and over fishing laid bare
A viewing platform at the point of the catfish’s introduction to the fishery process. The last time the fish will ever be free. The structure funnels wind at certain points
Movement through the colouring plant. The visitor’s attraction weaves into the everyday dordeling of the fishermen tending to their stock
The pouches twist their way through the once disused canal systems now teeming with manufactured catfish and flotsam
The visitors view devoid of the gutting and slaughter of the fish occurring behind them
Visitors’ walkway. Elements of decay become apparent
An extension and stasis farm to increase the catfish’s age
A slaughterhouse tilts and the next batch of catfish are released to start their seven year growth cycle
Fishermen feed their fish and tend to waste whilst the visitors cast their lines and eat ice cream
The fisherman’s path and slaughterhouse room; two processes collide
The catfish sees its last light of day upon which it is treated ready for smoking
The reflected finish and opposing facade decay. Two aesthetics and two views
The space of the catfishes demise
Smoking sheds char the landscape. The landscape cant ever be the same again
The slaughterhouse wrecks on the shoreline and becomes defunct
Micro/macro territory
Disruption cast and instruments
The casting machine roaming its territory
Output and movement patterns of the casting machine
Output and movement patterns of the casting machine
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