Surface
- Published: 22 October 2007 17:03
- Last Updated: 22 October 2007 17:03
- Reader Responses
40 Under 40
Surface
AJ Corus 40 Under 40
Surface was formed by Richard Scott in 1996 in collaboration with philosopher Jeremy Weate and architect Kristen Whittle. Andy MacFee joined the practice as a director in 2001.
Surface’s first project ‘Soft-space’ won first prize in the Shinkenchiku-Sha Residential Design Award in Japan, and ‘Aquaphilia’ was one of the ‘Ideal Rooms’ exhibited at the RIBA in 1997. In 1999 Surface won a competition for the headquarters of new media company Razorfish, which was followed by a £6 million commission for the South Eastern European University in Macedonia; using extensive prefabrication, the project was designed and constructed in just 10 months.
Their work aims at the emergence, or ‘surfacing’, of new experimental possibilities, promoting an architecture of rich experience. Significant built projects for Queen Mary’s College in London have brought the practice critical recognition. Both Scott and MacFee previously worked for Will Alsop.
The Lock-Keeper’s Cottage
The Lock-Keeper’s Cottage by Surface houses a £660,000 graduate school and research facility for Queen Mary’s College in London. The new structure replaces a pump house at the junction of the local canal and Mile End Park. A white and turquoise ‘tendril’ houses a staircase and bridge linking the metal-clad ‘wing’ with the existing cottage. Windows are positioned to capture strategic views. The project was completed in April 2005.
