14
INSIGHTS
Formed during such an uncertain period, one trait instilled into the practice is its ability to adapt and remain flexible
T2S also embraces higher density, tied into Slater’s love for
cities, combined with the belief that promoting denser designs for prime locations with nearby infrastructure, supports sustainability. “If we enhance and increase the size of an existing building with a tube line nearby, we’re encouraging people to use public transport instead of, for example, using cars.” This resonates with contemporary urban planning concepts like the 15-minute city, promoting living with easy access to services and workplaces. The practice’s design process begins with a thorough study of the local area to understand the urban ‘grain’ and examine existing architectural types. The designers extract valuable insights from this that help them understand the parameters and constraints influencing the design, and rather than seeing them as barriers, they “look to celebrate them.”
This research includes the creation of simple sketches that react and respond to the project’s site context. These can be “very evocative forms” that serve as the project’s foundation, as a reference to ensure subsequent design elements such as window forms, materiality, and detailing naturally complement the overall structure. By contrast, he says, design pitfalls arise when initial early forms are poorly conceived, but attempts are made to salvage them using ‘interesting’ materials later on – “by this point, it is too late!” Slater adds: “You needed to have that conversation six months earlier, to create a form that is interesting in of itself.”
Varied portfolio
Some projects that exemplify the practice’s contextual diversity include their mixed use project in Dalston, east London which transformed an existing building on a high street disfigured by a World War II bombing raid. The original replacement, being in a different style to neighbours, prompted the practice to reinstate the classic Victorian frontage. “This was a project where we allowed the site context to drive the design.” In contrast, residential projects like Friern Park and Victoria Road in Barnet presented a more modernist approach. In these instances, the site context lacked architectural inspiration, but this allowed the architects to initiate a fresh and original design. Both of these small apartment blocks present an elegant mix of carefully detailed brick facades, and generous apertures bringing in light. T2S Architecture’s approach to working with clients is marked by a process that includes early consideration of commercial potential and a strong emphasis on fire strategy. When clients bring forth potential sites, the architects swiftly generate sketches, 3D views, and plans to illustrate the commercial possibilities. A distinctive feature of T2S’ approach is their proactive integration of fire strategy considerations into the early stages of design, particularly in the post-Grenfell environment.
“One major issue with that tragedy is how the fire brigade
couldn’t get close enough as the buildings in the area were too tight,” explains Slater. This has influenced their design process so that each project has a well-conceived design on compliance and overall project feasibility, supported by a close relationship with clients. “One thing we are good at is how we take clients through
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
VICTORIA ROAD
Another TS2 project in Barnet saw the practice designing a mixed use proposal for 11 residential apartments and 800 ft2
of commercial floor area
the whole process,” says Slater. “We’re able to build buildings and we’re able to design buildings,” contributing to the strong relationships they foster with clients.
Slater explains further the pragmatic benefits of the firm’s design approach: “If you can’t build a building, then you can’t design one.” He adds: “I’m a big believer in being an all-rounder – technical and creativity feed into one another; it’s symbiotic.” Remaining ahead of industry developments is a constant challenge, says Slater, who coaches his team to remember that architecture has a ‘10-year cycle.’ He believes that the industry is undergoing a new cycle post-Covid, and it’s essential to stay relevant, as those who fall behind find it challenging to re-enter the current scene.
He believes that technology and AI are key examples. While Slater says that AI has already been adopted in “a lot of practices,” the broader implications on individuals, communities, and professions remain uncertain. “It’s a challenge that I don’t think society is talking about enough.” Answering the question of whether the architecture industry is prepared for AI, he says “I don’t have the answer, but it’s something that I’m thinking about and we will need to adapt in the future.” The practice’s future goals involve sustained growth and an expanded client base. With an eye on the Government’s heightened attention to the housing crisis, T2S aims to engage in more Government-backed competitions, particularly focusing on housing frameworks. Slater envisions positioning the practice at the forefront of such initiatives, stating, “While it’s not something we’re doing at the moment, in five years I want us to be involved.” g
ADF JANUARY 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
