Sanderson, L., Stone, S.H., Lee, S.J., 2016.

Oddments and Epigrams : Interventions in Bollington

Continuity in Architecture and Bollington Arts Centre are pleased to present "Oddments and Epigrams" an exhibition showcasing work undertaken in Bollington by more than 20 postgraduate students at the Manchester School of Architecture.

Continuity in Architecture is a postgraduate atelier, which has been established at the Manchester School of Architecture for more than 20 years. The atelier runs programmes for the design of new buildings and public spaces within the existing urban environment. The emphasis is on the importance of place and the idea that design of architecture can be influenced by the experience and analysis of particular situations. This interpretation of place can provide a contemporary layer of built meaning within the continuity of the evolving town or city.

For the past few months, the atelier has been working in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Planning Committee in Bollington to investigate the local area in a bid to better understand the history and vernacular of the town. The Neighbourhood Planning Committee have been developing a plan for the town that would sustain the lace for the foreseeable future, that would allow the town to grow without losing its inherent character and would facilitate a future for all of the residents, not just those who can afford to live there. This partnership will develop a masterplan for Bollington, it will identify areas that appropriate development can take place, propose designs for new buildings, suggest the redevelopment of existing structures and recommend areas for public space.

"Oddments and Epigrams" will include the work from two projects. The first is a research book which seeks to interrogate the essence of Bollington's existence by exposing key elements pertaining to its history, culture, and character. The main focus is on the historic evolution of the town through the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries and most notably the topography; with heroic remnants of the Industrial Revolution such as the canal and the railway, contrasting with a calmer and more picturesque local vernacular of cottage, terraces, garrets and greens.

Other work on show includes proposals for a series of interventions in Bollington from a project inspired by Caruso St Johns book entitled "Knitting, Weaving, Wrapping, Pressing". The interventions aim to find a formal solution to a series of site specific problems uncovered from the earlier research. Projects include a cast golden stone, a series of reflections, a devore print, a mill redefined by light, the interior of a landmark, a water driven sculpture, a temporary cinema and a market day flag to name just a few.