When was the last time you went for a walk without a camera? 

Not just any old walk, but a contemplative jaunt. One for yourself and your thoughts and a way of seeing and feeling your surroundings. 

This week we welcomed some more team members to the studio (more coming soon!) and we began our introductions with exactly this. Alan calls it “walking without a camera”; and so as a photographer turned charismatic architect tour guide, he led the way. 

We meandered from Bromley-by-Bow towards Canary Wharf, stopping at Balfron Tower and Robin Hood Gardens, reflecting on the history of these buildings and places. Displacement was a big theme in our discussions and the effect of this on community and the value of buildings, particularly noticing the contrasts in the kinds of building work occurring and the rapid changes over the past half-century. Even amongst all this change, however, there is pride in origins and place. As Sandra Chalmers, Chair of the Brownfield Estate Board in 2015, eloquently says:

This is “a community that looks out for one another, that shapes and influences and regenerates, all to re-make our estate as the place we are proud of, want to live in and which brings us together in ways we made happen” 

(Foreword from Sunday Best, 2015)

I personally really appreciate this encouragement of allowing time to let an idea emerge. It is a useful approach at the beginning of a project like each of us are undertaking, as it is not often we are allowed to take that time. Too often we are bombarded with stimulation and told to rush headstrong towards a goal. 

So, as the finer weather of spring is just around the corner, why not try taking a walk without a camera yourself to see what you can discover in your own area. We would love to hear your experiences if you fancy sharing too!

Read on for some thoughts and reflections from the group:

Igor Augustynowicz

"It was lovely to get a feel for the place we’re working in – it isn’t just a studio in an industrial estate, it has its own history that’s valuable to appreciate. We had a very relevant conversation about the ambitions of famous architects vs. the realities of those living in their buildings. It’s something to keep in mind when working on documentaries, does our work serve people or just our artistic impulses? Also, it’s nice to just get out for a walk, really."

Oscar Cannon

“I think the walk was a brilliant opportunity to get out of the studio and spend time together as a team. It was great to learn more about the local area and it helped to understand the wider context of the projects we are working on.”

Mohamed Mazy

“Since developing my interest for data science, I always thought that I would work in different fields but never for the good of the environment. Despite that I have some ecological values, which I think today's society sometimes pushes us to put aside. I am glad to have met my new team during this walk and to have seen that they are as motivated as me to be an actor in this work.”

Eriz Yusuf

“I am really excited to be a part of this team, we are from a range of different backgrounds and I'm really looking forward to working with everyone and hopefully making some great new friends in this team.”

Warmest regards

Emma Mcloughlin (she/her)