Witherford Watson Mann is the last of the UK practices to
exhibit in the series "London-Rome: Work in Process",
following the lectures and shows of AOC and Carmody
Groarke. With these three exhibitions, we have sought to
emphasise the very diverse methods and approaches these
practices take in producing their work, reflective of the
new dynamic scene in British contemporary
architecture.
Amnesty International UK, Shoreditch, London: interior;
drawing
Stephen Witherford, Christopher Watson and William Mann
set up their practice in 2001, but the architect’s
collaboration had started informally a few years previously
following long walks and the study of both the history and
everyday life in the outskirts of London. Intrinsic to the
practice is an interest in the relationship between city and
landscape and the inter-dependence of public buildings,
collective space and daily activity combined with a
commitment to explore how architecture can support social
engagement. All three architects teach and write
extensively.
“We never lose sight of the fact that, for our clients and
for society as a whole, architecture is a means, not an
end….At a wider social level, we look at how the character
and spatial structure of places “suggests behaviour”,
drawing on direct observation and concrete experience to
make places that support communication and sociability.”
Images from above:
Whitechapel Art Gallery, London: exterior view from the
rear. Photo © David Grandorge
Amnesty International UK, Shoreditch, London: street
view. Photo © Helene Binet
Whitechapel Art Gallery,
London: drawing. Photo © Roobrecht en Daem/ Witherford
Watson Mann Architects
Bankside, Tate. Images ©
Witherford Watson Mann Architects
Witherford Watson Mann in Rome
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- Elena Sommariva
- 16 November 2009