Name: Hai Tom Nguyen
Studio: Architectural Design Crossovers
Track: Architecture
Year: MSc1 / 2023-2024
Tutors:
Agnes van der Meij, Freek Speksnijder, Roberto Cavallo
Description:
What if we take away the institutional curation process of archives and approach archiving in a „laissez-faire“ way, meaning to let things happen without interfering. Everybody has something of value to them, that could be worth archiving.
This design proposes a hybrid archive that offers both physical and digital archive space for the public. It enables Deptford to archive the seemingly „out of place“-objects but also to store memories and stories, that can not be stored physically. People will have access to a 3D scanning service as well as kiosks where they can digitize everything themselves.
A permanent megastructure, in line with the axis of the olympia hall, is installed partially on the ground and partially in the water. The steel structure is made up of four identical frameworks, which by themselves serve almost no purpose other than structural intergrity. The columns are each equipped with vertical circulation elements: stairs and elevators. Additionally they also provide ducts for ventilation-, electrical- and plumbing services.
By inserting a capsule-like module into the frame, the structure is given a function, similar to an exoskeleton. The capsules are designed as an interchangeable system which interlock with each other on the front side. They can also be removed and shipped to other sites that offer the same frame.
Its placement and elevated nature, allow the archive to become an observer of the palimpsest, while the public will be able to observe the linear archival process on the inside of the archive.