The RT team took a stroll over to Somerset house this lunch time to check out the Nicholas Hawksmoor exhibition. The exhbition holds a series of black and white photographs, as well as models, of Hawksmoor's London churches. Helene Binet's photographs reconsider Hawksmoor's architecture in relation to urbanism. RT definitly recommend a visit!
Staff Rides #3
Have you got a name for your bike?
Bob, of course.
Why did you start cycling to work?
I moved to London when I started at RT and cycled immediately. It has to be the best way to get to know the city, none of that shooting around underground malarkey.
How far do you commute?
5 miles, from Highbury.
What’s the best and worst thing about cycling to work?
The best is cycling over the Thames, the views never fail to fascinate me.
The worst is helmet hair!
How long have you had your bike?
Nearly 2 years now. Bob is about 36 years old and was bought for me by a friend and slowly but surely I’m going to pimp my ride.
Whats your favourite bike accessory?
Definitely my Gropes (the lace up leather handle covers).
Where do you most like to cycle?
Wherever is the flattest! I’m cycling Bob to Bruges in the summer so roll-on those flat streets of Belgium.
Green fingers
Just a quick update on how the allotment is doing, bit too early for the onions to be harvested but have been making the most of the herbs enjoying some Morrocan tea in the Rock Townsend offices yesterday.
Staff Rides #2
Have you got a name for your bike?
Yes, Bella.
Why did you start scooting to work?
When I moved to London for my Part 1 year out I bought ‘Bella’.
How far do you commute?
Limehouse, East London. Not too far, takes about 20 minutes if I put my foot (twist my hand) down.
What’s the best and worst thing about riding a 1961 Vespa to work?
Best is the looks and comments you get from people. I was once waiting on Tower Bridge for the lights to change, and a group of 20 Japanese tourists starting taking photos of my bike.
Worst is that I don’t have mirrors, and lorry/busses are VERY big compared to me.
How long have you had your bike?
3 years. But she is 52 years old now, so you have to treat an old lady with respect!
Whats your favourite bike accessory?
No bike accessory is cool. The less the better.
Where do you most like to cycle?
Anywhere but the tight streets of Shoreditch are always fun.
Staff Rides #1
Pt2 Architectural Assistant James Ford tells us a little about his bike and what motivated him to cycle to work through the busy London Streets.
Have you got a name for your bike?
My bike is called Larry.
Why did you start cycling to work?
When I first started working for Rocktownsend I used to commute on the tube. I was new to living in central London so it took be a little time to become familiar with the route to work. I think the final push came with the arrival of the Olympics to London. With threats of packed trains and delays I decided to take matters into my own hands and cycle the 5 miles to work.
Whats the best and worst thing about cycling to work?
The best thing has to be the time I save over catching the tube. Its 40 minutes underground compared to 25 on the bike! The worst has to be cycling in the rain and the snow, but as long as you wear the rite clobber you’re all good.
How long have you had your bike?
I've had it a couple of years now. It started life as a Specialized Langster but I can never really leave anything alone so it didn’t take long to swap the wheels, crank, bars and seat out and paint everything green. Triggers broom and all that.
Whats your favourite bike accessory?
My pedals and clips. No.. the bars. Oh I don’t know.
Where do you most like to cycle?
Richmond Park.
AJ Forgotten Spaces
Well done to Charlotte Tamplin for being a finalist in the AJ Forgotten Spaces competition. Her project was created in collaboration with friends Kate Stevens and Charlotte Marshall. The project revitalised the disused Aldwych station and Picadilly line to create a public baths and link to the Thames. The winner will be annouced in October at the exhibition opening at Somerset House where all shortlisted projects will be on show.
The link below shows media coverage for the competition:
http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/home/forgotten-spaces-london/
Our new website
Robinson Returns
Tim Robinson is now back in the studio as a fully fledged Part 2 after completing his studies at Leeds University walking away with a well deserved distinction. Put the Brylcreem down Tim it's time to do some real work.
RT hit Royal Ascot
On Friday 21st June some of the Rock Townsend team donned their glad rags and took a trip to Royal Ascot for the day. Unfortunately there were no big winners but was a great day none the less.