Hostel for Students of Architecture, Rome, Italy. Part 1 Project 1999 Scott Hills Leeds Beckett University | UK Structural MetamorphosisRome, in the new millennium, will again be able proudly to exhibit its architectural heritage, although it is currently mostly concealed by scaffolding. A staggering amount of pre-millenium preparatory-work is underway around us. All important classical buildings are found wrapped in scaffold as they undergo restoration and cleaning for the coming century.Architecture has momentarily been given a second skin; a temporary mask under which it can only partially be seen, encouraging a natural curiosity whilst forcing the viewer to look at things differently in order to piece together or attempt to deconstruct what has become one entity.So a brief and unorthodox relationship may have slipped away unnoticed had it not become the driving force behind this design project.Stretching and moulding a second skin around the scheme arrests this space in time at this instant. Hence, the design symbolises the premillenium preparations and in turn, gains its own historical context. Whilst scaffolding is regarded as a predominantly temporary structure, it is the permanance of both scaffold and building (that become synonymous) which creates the structural metamorphosis, a complex relationship where two forms can co-exist permanantly with the place they are in, rather than competing with it and each other; architectural symbiosis. Scott Hills, from Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, undertook both architectural and marine-architectural work-placements before enrolling at Leeds Metropolitan University. He rapidly assimilates what is necessary and works with enviable concentration, creativity, and productivity. His design-project-work is strongly individual, reflecting his own observations and preoccupations. It also reflects his interest in the specific materials and construction techniques which he sees as appropriate for the project in hand. At the start of his Degree-Year, he was preoccupied with pre-patinated copper-cladding. During a study visit to Rome, he became fascinated by the scaffolding which encased most of the monuments (in preparation for the 'Jubileo'.)On his return, his project for 'Student Hostel in Rome' became a vehicle for his investigation into the possiblity that scaffolding components might have a more permanent role to play in building-construction than they are normally allowed. His drawing composed of five views of this project was accepted for the Architecture Room of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 1999.He was awarded a First Class Degree.He was included in the 'UK's Top 100 Students ' feature in 'Building Design' (16.07.99)