Centeredness Part 1 Project 2001 Mark WalkerAlejandra Cadiz Aravena University of Brighton | UK The city of London presents a series of spaces which together make up the complex mechanisms of a financial machine. At first they appear full of life with a chaotic energy, but seem to instantly reappear as empty lifeless voids; a powerfull abscence of emotion seems to exists here. Its transient population become objects essential to the successful function of the machine. Layers of movement exist that remain ridgid and formal where an aggressive urban grain seems to dominate. New layers of movement established through a dynamic three dimensional geometry allow the spaces of the city to be experienced in a new way. Building becomes landscape as a new urban courtyard is created between the forms. The powerful geometic form directly opposes itself to its undulating landscape and seems to give an instant and power and presence. A new architecture that spirals downwards, turns sharply as you descend into its heart, in a journey of unconcious change. A heart in the machine injects a new dimension of vitality. A concept began to take shape around the idea of a 'core' space. Layers of transition create soft but powerful boundries between the two worlds. Walls appear to float around its glowing core, energy, contemplation and emotion become tangible qualities within this space, and like a ripple, through its human vessel a new energy radiates into the city beyond. This student is an instinctive designer of great ability. His work is predominantly concerned with the pursuit of new architectural form, derived from the latent dynamics found in context, which through critical reading and design offer the possibility of meaningful interactions as the new is shifted and overlaid against the past. The student's resulting projects are highly considered, thoroughly resolved and powerfully presented with real conviction.