Richard Weston (architect)
Encyclopedia
Professor Richard Weston (born 1953) is an award-winning architect, landscape architect and author. He is also the Chair of Architecture at Cardiff University
and the Director of Richard Weston Studio Ltd and Earth Images Ltd.
on 8 May 1953 and attended Wyggeston Boys Grammar School. He went on to study architecture at Manchester University
, gaining a BA in 1975 and BArch in 1977
. Supported by the Thouron Award
, he attended the University of Pennsylvania
(USA) to study landscape architecture, gaining an MLA
(Penn) in 1979. From 1979–1982 he worked in practice and was appointed as a lecturer at the Welsh School of Architecture
(WSA) in Cardiff
. He subsequently taught at the Leicester and Portsmouth schools of architecture before returning to Cardiff in 1999 as a professorial research fellow. In 2003 he was appointed to the Chair of Architecture, a position he holds today.
In addition to his teaching at the WSA, he is editor of arq (Architectural Research Quarterly, Cambridge University Press) and director of Richard Weston Studio Ltd and Earth Images Ltd. Alongside his teaching duties, Weston is an experienced researcher with numerous books and publications to his name. Most notably, he is author of two award winning books, a monograph on the architect Alvar Aalto
and a study of the modernist movement titled Modernism
. In addition he is the author of the definitive work on the life and achievements of Sydney Opera House
architect, Jørn Utzon
. Famously reclusive and private, Utzon granted Weston unlimited access to his archives and himself, enabling the publication of a unique study.
. Formed of stainless steel 'gutter trusses' whose profile, like a river, widens and deepens in response to the flow of water, and between them span laminated glass arches, with an interlayer to reduce heat gain from the sun.
Weston’s interest in structural glass found dramatic expression in a house he built for himself as part of FutureWorld (an exhibition designed to provide the public with a glimpse of the way homes might operate in the 21st century) in Milton Keynes
. The 5.5 tonne stressed-skin plywood roof of Radiant House is supported only by glass – a feat achieved in collaboration with engineer Mark Lovell.
In 2002, he entered two architectural competitions, taking the opportunity they posed to explore ideas. The first for the Royal Playhouse
in Copenhagen
(in collaboration with John Pardey Architects and eventually won by Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter
, who went on to build it) and the second for the Great Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Whilst it did not win, the proposal, consisting of a 230m limestone dome, was selected for publication by the judges and Weston’s learning of the Egyptians’ fascination with the stars later became an inspiration for the designs for his own house and studio in Sully
, South Wales.
Using high-resolution scanners, he has generated designs for a collection of silk scarves from natural materials such as minerals and stones.This idea was presented at the ‘Best of British Open Design Call’ at Liberty in London (the world’s leading retailer of scarves) and, since their debut on the shelves in 2010, have quickly established themselves as amongst Liberty’s best selling lines.
The images, which can be printed on most natural and man-made fibres, offer a wide range of application in architecture, interior design and fashion. In addition to the scarves, they have appeared in Liza Bruce’s new ranges of swimwear. Architectural applications are also currently being developed, with leading British architects - Patel Taylor featuring an ‘agate façade’ in a house in Camden Town. The upcoming London Olympic Games in 2012 is following suit, with four 5x3m images greeting athletes in the Olympic Village in Stratford and scans are also used as artworks in the buildings of several leading corporations, including BHP Billiton, Schlumberger and EON.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is a leading research university located in the Cathays Park area of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It received its Royal charter in 1883 and is a member of the Russell Group of Universities. The university is consistently recognised as providing high quality research-based...
and the Director of Richard Weston Studio Ltd and Earth Images Ltd.
Professional background
Weston was born in LeicesterLeicester
Leicester is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England, and the county town of Leicestershire. The city lies on the River Soar and at the edge of the National Forest...
on 8 May 1953 and attended Wyggeston Boys Grammar School. He went on to study architecture at Manchester University
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
, gaining a BA in 1975 and BArch in 1977
Bachelor of Architecture
The Bachelor of Architecture is an undergraduate academic degree designed to satisfy the academic component of professional accreditation bodies, to be followed by a period of practical training prior to professional examination and registration. It is awarded for a course of study that lasts up...
. Supported by the Thouron Award
Thouron Award
The Thouron Award was established in 1960 by Sir John R.H. Thouron, K.B.E., and the late Esther du Pont Thouron.It was created to strengthen the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom through educational exchange between British universities and the University of...
, he attended the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
(USA) to study landscape architecture, gaining an MLA
Master of Landscape Architecture
The Master of Landscape Architecture is a professional and academic degree dealing with the manipulation of outdoor and public spaces to achieve socio-behavioural, environmental, and/or aesthetic outcomes.-Curriculum and Requirements:...
(Penn) in 1979. From 1979–1982 he worked in practice and was appointed as a lecturer at the Welsh School of Architecture
Welsh School of Architecture
The Welsh School of Architecture is an academic school of Cardiff University. It is located in the Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales....
(WSA) in Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
. He subsequently taught at the Leicester and Portsmouth schools of architecture before returning to Cardiff in 1999 as a professorial research fellow. In 2003 he was appointed to the Chair of Architecture, a position he holds today.
In addition to his teaching at the WSA, he is editor of arq (Architectural Research Quarterly, Cambridge University Press) and director of Richard Weston Studio Ltd and Earth Images Ltd. Alongside his teaching duties, Weston is an experienced researcher with numerous books and publications to his name. Most notably, he is author of two award winning books, a monograph on the architect Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto
Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto was a Finnish architect and designer. His work includes architecture, furniture, textiles and glassware...
and a study of the modernist movement titled Modernism
Modernism
Modernism, in its broadest definition, is modern thought, character, or practice. More specifically, the term describes the modernist movement, its set of cultural tendencies and array of associated cultural movements, originally arising from wide-scale and far-reaching changes to Western society...
. In addition he is the author of the definitive work on the life and achievements of Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in the Australian city of Sydney. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, finally opening in 1973 after a long gestation starting with his competition-winning design in 1957...
architect, Jørn Utzon
Jørn Utzon
Jørn Oberg Utzon, , AC was a Danish architect, most notable for designing the Sydney Opera House in Australia. When it was declared a World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007, Utzon became only the second person to have received such recognition for one of his works during his lifetime...
. Famously reclusive and private, Utzon granted Weston unlimited access to his archives and himself, enabling the publication of a unique study.
Architectural work
In 1992, Weston designed a glass roof to cover the sunken courtyard of a house built in a redundant water tank in HampshireHampshire
Hampshire is a county on the southern coast of England in the United Kingdom. The county town of Hampshire is Winchester, a historic cathedral city that was once the capital of England. Hampshire is notable for housing the original birthplaces of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force...
. Formed of stainless steel 'gutter trusses' whose profile, like a river, widens and deepens in response to the flow of water, and between them span laminated glass arches, with an interlayer to reduce heat gain from the sun.
Weston’s interest in structural glass found dramatic expression in a house he built for himself as part of FutureWorld (an exhibition designed to provide the public with a glimpse of the way homes might operate in the 21st century) in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes , sometimes abbreviated MK, is a large town in Buckinghamshire, in the south east of England, about north-west of London. It is the administrative centre of the Borough of Milton Keynes...
. The 5.5 tonne stressed-skin plywood roof of Radiant House is supported only by glass – a feat achieved in collaboration with engineer Mark Lovell.
In 2002, he entered two architectural competitions, taking the opportunity they posed to explore ideas. The first for the Royal Playhouse
Royal Danish Playhouse
The Royal Danish Playhouse is a theatre building for the Royal Danish Theatre, situated on the harbour front in the Frederiksstaden neighbourhood of central Copenhagen, Denmark...
in Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
(in collaboration with John Pardey Architects and eventually won by Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter
Lundgaard & Tranberg
Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter is a Danish architectural firm, based in Copenhagen Denmark. It is most noted for the Tietgenkollegiet student housing in Ørestad from 2006 and the Royal Danish Playhouse on the Copenhagen harbourfront from 2008...
, who went on to build it) and the second for the Great Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Whilst it did not win, the proposal, consisting of a 230m limestone dome, was selected for publication by the judges and Weston’s learning of the Egyptians’ fascination with the stars later became an inspiration for the designs for his own house and studio in Sully
Sully, Vale of Glamorgan
Sully is a village in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales lying on the northern coast of the Bristol Channel, midway between the towns of Penarth and Barry and 7 miles southwest of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff.-Medieval Sully:...
, South Wales.
Competitions and buildings
- Grand Egyptian Museum (selected for publication), 2002.
- Royal Playhouse, Copenhagen, 2002.
- Finalist in two-stage open competition for National Wildflower Centre, Liverpool, 1997.
- Finalist in two-stage open competition for Public Artwork, Hamilton, 1997.
- Radiant House, Milton Keynes (pub. in various magazines and newspapers).
- Glass Roof for Howard Smith, Hampshire (pub. Architectural Review, 8/97).
One-man shows
- Robert Phillips Gallery, Walton on Thames, 2005
- Aberdare Museum 2006
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, 2007*
- National Waterfront Museum, 2007–08
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History, 2008*
- Utzon CenterUtzon CenterThe Utzon Center in Aalborg, Denmark, was the last building to be designed by Jørn Utzon, the architect behind the Sydney Opera House. In collaboration with his son Kim who provided the final construction drawings, he planned the centre not as a museum but as a place where students of architecture...
, Aalborg, 2008.
Group shows
- Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 1992, 1994, 1996, 2004.
- "Through the lens", Royal West of England Academy, June–July 2008
Prizes
- Techniquest Millennium Award for Solar System Sculpture for Wales, 1998.
- American Institute of Architects International Book Award for Modernism, 1996.
- 2nd Prize, Letchworth Garden City Centenary landscape master plan, 1997.
- Sir Banister Fletcher Prize for ‘architecture book of the year’, for Alvar Aalto, 1995.
- Winner, ‘Critics Competition’ organised by the Architectural Review, 1987.
Books
- 100 Ideas that Changed Architecture, Laurence King, October 2011(in press).
- Quartz, 64pp, Deukalion Press, 2007.
- Formations: images from rocks, 112pp, Deukalion Press, 2007.
- Plans, Sections and Elevations. Key Buildings of the 20th Century, 240p, Laurence King, 2004.
- Materials, Form and Architecture, Laurence King, 240p, 2003.
- Utzon. Inspiration, Vision, Architecture, Edition Bløndal, 432p, 2002.
- The House in the Twentieth Century, 272p, Laurence King, 2002.
- Modernism, Phaidon Press, 240p, 1996.
- Alvar Aalto, Phaidon Press, 240p, 1995.
- Säynätsalo Town Hall, Phaidon Press, 62p, 1993.
- Villa Mairea, Phaidon Press, 62p, 1992.
- Schools of Thought, Hampshire C. C., 152p, 1991.
Other
- Regular contributor to complete works of Norman Foster.
- More than 100 articles in leading architectural and other journals and newspapers.
Broadcasts
- ‘The Next Big Thing’, 7-episode BBC2 series tracing development of new products including scarves made using images from minerals and rocks (to be broadcast April–May 2011)
- Sydney (Soap) Opera House, Uden Associates for C5, 13.8.00.
- Agenda 21, with Daniel Libeskind and Ken Yeang, BBC World Service, 23.4.00.
- In Our Time with Daniel Libeskind and Melvyn Bragg, BBC Radio 4, 25.3.99.
- Several appearances on Turning World with Jenny Murray and other radio programmes inc. ‘Night Waves’ on Radio 3.
Design work
Described by the Independent on Sunday as "the break out star of Britain's Next Big Thing", he will soon be appearing in the seven-part BBC2 series tracing the development of new products for leading retailers.Using high-resolution scanners, he has generated designs for a collection of silk scarves from natural materials such as minerals and stones.This idea was presented at the ‘Best of British Open Design Call’ at Liberty in London (the world’s leading retailer of scarves) and, since their debut on the shelves in 2010, have quickly established themselves as amongst Liberty’s best selling lines.
The images, which can be printed on most natural and man-made fibres, offer a wide range of application in architecture, interior design and fashion. In addition to the scarves, they have appeared in Liza Bruce’s new ranges of swimwear. Architectural applications are also currently being developed, with leading British architects - Patel Taylor featuring an ‘agate façade’ in a house in Camden Town. The upcoming London Olympic Games in 2012 is following suit, with four 5x3m images greeting athletes in the Olympic Village in Stratford and scans are also used as artworks in the buildings of several leading corporations, including BHP Billiton, Schlumberger and EON.