Intermediate 14 continues its exploration into the daily rituals and architectures of diasporic communities. Raising questions about identity and self, we celebrate the phenomenon of othering which defines and labels ‘the other’ as not fitting into the ‘norms of society.’ We shape new spaces and formats from that which is lesser known and seen rather than old and established. Raising questions about what defines us and ‘the other,’ we will design architectural spaces that have deconstructed the familiar and the uncanny to make way for ‘the other.’

Our sites of exploration extend from Peckham to Brixton, where we examined existing diasporic architectural typologies in South London which have othered their traditions by adding new layers that shift them further away from their origins. We encourage the use of mix media formats, set designs, projections, and collaborations with real world practitioners through seminars and workshops to help us identify the otherness of our sites and diasporic communities of interest.

A study of New Orleans helped us understand how the cross-pollination of multiple cultures who hold on to their existing traditions whilst making way for new ones allow for the creation of ‘other’ architectures and ways of living. This was a guide to developing our initial research and methods into architectural design proposals. The final steps in othering will be the format of presenting the constructed narratives of these architectural proposals that shifts away from conventional formats of presentations.

We believe in the role of the architect as an instigator of change, who is unafraid of things that are conventionally disturbing, contradictory, and incompatible with societal norms. One who takes these characteristics and shapes them into ‘other’ worlds, providing alternate narratives for that which is lesser known.