There is a common misconception of architecture being immortal, when in reality it is only a matter of time before any given building vanishes – most recently an example of this is the Notre-Dame de Paris which was lit up in flames.
Almost instantly declarations for rebuilding the Notre-Dame were made when in reality, it might have been worthwhile
thinking about the building itself and whether it is actually worthwhile being rebuilt. The vast carbon-emissions and energy spent on buildings which are thought of as being fixed, stable and unchanging come with the cost of waste, resource use and ecological destruction. Rather than being fixed objects, buildings are in flux: as time passes so does the material, resulting in decay and signs of age. The idea of permanence does not necessarily result in infinity; my project explores the argument of certain structures being permanent – specifically the viaduct in Digbeth which is an inherent component of the area, creating the basis for my project.
Wiktoria PiotrowskaBIO
An enthusiastic and ambitious architecture student, I aim to appreciate and recognise the potential architecture has to understand and therefore, exemplify, the physical and social elements of the city.
I am currently engaged in a project experimenting with how architecture can create a social hierarchy, recognising the implications this has on the human scale. By curating an ‘extreme’ outcome, I look to highlight the social diversity that is prevalent in today’s society. I am interested in understanding the multiple layers and how this can be abstracted to create an architectural form that is contextually aware.
My interests in architecture focus on social issues where sustainability to society is important to the vitality of spaces. I am keen to learn new skills to develop further ideas and approaches to architecture and the built environment.
