Mr Christopher ( Chris ) Tucker

Exhibited in: 41st Central Glass International Architectural Design Competition, Tokyo. Background In architecture, a particular problem in urban design involves the way in which, as cities develop, usable spaces are sometimes left behind. Mapping these spaces within the city shows that they occupy a considerable volume; but, unless released by a building’s demolition, the commercial and social potential of these spaces is often unrealised. This research sets out to test, using a case study site, whether such residual spaces are appropriate for affordable housing. Contribution This research investigates the potential of providing affordable housing in a three-metre wide space on the outside of a car parking station. The project tests the feasibility of this typical urban space scenario for accommodating small apartments; each clad in reused sections of old houses. The use of these parts of old houses revalues the social knowledge embedded within their shape and texture. The concept for this research was originally developed as part of the Tracings (NSW State Library 2005) and Residue (RMIT, 2007) works by Ostwald, Tucker and Chapman. This research examined aspects of forgotten space, proposing innovative solutions to particular design challenges. The research concept was developed by Tucker and Ostwald for critical review before being refined and submitted to the Central Glass International Architectural Design Competition and then expanded for publication. Significance The research was awarded first place in the 41st Central Glass International Architectural Competition. The chief juror was Pritzker prize winning architect Toyo Ito. This competition received 423 entries and it was the first time an Australian design had ever been awarded it. The design was exhibited in Tokyo and published in the ARC supported volume “ReHousing” edited by Murray, Ramirez-Lovering and Whibley.

The Vanna Venturi house became the departure point for a new house in a heritage conservation area. By slicing and turning parts of the façade, the new form neatly fitted both the site and shape of neighbouring houses. The street facing facade was heavily textured when clad with the framing timbers of demolished houses, a minimalist commentary on the usefulness of lost buildings. However in this model the façade asks ‘what do you want from me’, searching passers by for ideas and values that might be worth using. Why design flatness or tradition when life is so much richer….there’s always more. The significance of this work is through its selection in the Australian pavilion at the 2008 Venice Architectural Biennale, the most significant exhibition in world architecture. This work was also the subject of the 2010 PVC Creative Works Award

The book investigates ten historical moments in Newcastle and provides an architectural conceptualisation of those moments. My role was significant in the architectural conceptualisation, design and preparation of 'line drawings'; for the finished drawings and models that I played a minor role in. Some images in the book are entirely prepared by myself but Michael Chapman is responsible for most. Apart from conceptualising many of the projects I had little involvement with the essays. The book is significant because; of its application of historical moments in the creation of architecture and the fine drawings and models that were created. Some of the works published in Residue were also exhibited at; Tracings: Lovett Gallery, Newcastle Region Library Tracings: State Library of NSW

The book investigates ten historical moments in Newcastle and provides an architectural conceptualisation of those moments. My role was significant in the architectural conceptualisation, design and preparation of 'line drawings'; for the finished drawings and models that I played a minor role in. Some images in the book are entirely prepared by myself but Michael Chapman is responsible for most. Apart from conceptualising many of the projects I had little involvement with the essays. The book is significant because; of its application of historical moments in the creation of architecture and the fine drawings and models that were created. Some of the works published in Residue were also exhibited at; Tracings: Lovett Gallery, Newcastle Region Library Tracings: State Library of NSW

The Vanna Venturi house became the departure point for a new house in a heritage conservation area. By slicing and turning parts of the façade, the new form neatly fitted both the site and shape of neighbouring houses. The street facing facade was heavily textured when clad with the framing timbers of demolished houses, a minimalist commentary on the usefulness of lost buildings. However in this model the façade asks ‘what do you want from me’, searching passers by for ideas and values that might be worth using. Why design flatness or tradition when life is so much richer….there’s always more. The significance of this work is through its selection in the Australian pavilion at the 2008 Venice Architectural Biennale, the most significant exhibition in world architecture. This work was also the subject of the 2010 PVC Creative Works Award

Exhibited in: 41st Central Glass International Architectural Design Competition, Tokyo. Background In architecture, a particular problem in urban design involves the way in which, as cities develop, usable spaces are sometimes left behind. Mapping these spaces within the city shows that they occupy a considerable volume; but, unless released by a building’s demolition, the commercial and social potential of these spaces is often unrealised. This research sets out to test, using a case study site, whether such residual spaces are appropriate for affordable housing. Contribution This research investigates the potential of providing affordable housing in a three-metre wide space on the outside of a car parking station. The project tests the feasibility of this typical urban space scenario for accommodating small apartments; each clad in reused sections of old houses. The use of these parts of old houses revalues the social knowledge embedded within their shape and texture. The concept for this research was originally developed as part of the Tracings (NSW State Library 2005) and Residue (RMIT, 2007) works by Ostwald, Tucker and Chapman. This research examined aspects of forgotten space, proposing innovative solutions to particular design challenges. The research concept was developed by Tucker and Ostwald for critical review before being refined and submitted to the Central Glass International Architectural Design Competition and then expanded for publication. Significance The research was awarded first place in the 41st Central Glass International Architectural Competition. The chief juror was Pritzker prize winning architect Toyo Ito. This competition received 423 entries and it was the first time an Australian design had ever been awarded it. The design was exhibited in Tokyo and published in the ARC supported volume “ReHousing” edited by Murray, Ramirez-Lovering and Whibley.