Project Summary
Design and construct a temporary structure that can accommodate a small group for ‘conversation’.

2006 was the 10th anniversary of Architecture Week, the national campaign that celebrated contemporary architecture, initiated by Arts Council England in partnership with the Architecture Centre Network and RIBA Yorkshire, where each region hosted a programme of public events from 16-25 June.

In recognition of this the Small Structures programme created ten architectural interventions (nine physical and one online) to be a catalyst for greater engagement in building process, public realm space, art and architecture.

Beam delivered one of those ten interventions with two architecture practices and one artist.

When den building participants were asked what they liked best about the activity they said

“That you could design and then build it / Friendly Staff, useful materials, good atmosphere.”

What did we do?
Beam worked with artist Andrew Skelton, Carey Jones architects and SMC Gower architect who were each tasked to create a structure to encourage conversation. These structures were all created on the day of the event. Alongside this Beam invited local families to create dens and join in conversation with the professionals.

Carey Jones creater ‘Shell-ter’ which relected their attitude towards sustainability and recycling. SMC Gower created ‘A Conversation Piece’, an intimate space for conversation, which provoked and questioned the audience and Andrew Skelton, artist and furniture maker created ‘Furnitecture’ which aimed to open up the dialogue between designing, making and materials.

What did we achieve? 

The building of these amazing structures was an exciting and ephemeral experience, creating a unique dialogue between the public and professional practitioners about creativity, design and building.

The family workshop aimed to encourage young people and families to have a ‘hands on’ experience of constructing their own ‘small structure’. We were also keen to encourage discussions between the public and the design professionals about creativity and good design.