ANTEPAVILLION
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
2024
While archaeological research suggests the absence of archeological evidence such as Roman roads or medieval settlements, the movement of earth and its interactions hint at a broader phenomenon. As a species, we often shield ourselves from direct contact with soil in our daily lives, treating it almost as a toxic substance.Yet, when excavation occurs, it reignites our curiosity and fantasies about the unknown. Our proposal seeks to embrace this by keeping the earth exposed and integrating it as a vital element of the cityscape. This initiative aims to establish a critical space, an ante-city, where users can engage with soil in its raw form, a rarity amidst London’s urban sprawl.
The space resulting from archaeological excavations offers a canvas easily adaptable to accommodate daily activities and foster direct interaction with the earth. By sculpting the extracted earth into a small mound, we enhance spatial articulation. Additionally, we propose a paved passage and the installation of a textile canopy that reuses the 2017 Antepavilion fabric. These additions serve to mitigate the challenges of mud in London’s wet climate while safeguarding the integrity of the site.
In collaboration with Riccardo Orsini
