FOUND AGAIN AND AGAIN – On the Architecture of the Whisperers
Katalin Alkér DLA Thesis Summary
On the contemporary architecture scene, the work of three English architecture practices: Tony Fretton Architects, Adam Caruso & Peter St. John, Jonathan Sergison & Stephen Bates clearly stands out. They do not draw attention by technical feat but by their artistic sensitivity and their defined architectural position. Devoted students of the Smithsons, they did not only realize their masters’ lessons but surpassed them, as well. Their attitude towards modernism is rather critical, as regards to historic traditions almost eclectic. They consider architecture as a cultural artefact, as practice of art with social responsibility. From this position of theirs follows an architectural credo committed to the beauty of the everyday life. Their multiple engagement with the public is reflected in urban design projects.
The thesis examines their architecture along five key ideas and makes an attempt to position them on the wide field of culture. The Whisperers themselves are most unlikely to obtain such a high level of social backing enough for them to become mainstream. Despite their basically critical approach, the alternatives they offer in their buildings convey a positive message and are tightly interwoven with modern life. The architectural language they speak is easy to understand and use, the discussion they initiate is open for all.