Practice Profile - Piercy and Co.
Practice Name and Location: Piercy and Co, Camden, London
Practice Website: https://www.piercyandco.com/
Contribution by: Sam Twaite , Modelmaker and workshop technician
Practice Statement: For us, models serve as a tool for visually and physically conveying architectural concepts. They emphasize the sculpture, materiality, and texture inherent in our design language. The most successful models we create are those that express a complex idea with clarity, and allow for a deeper understanding of the scheme's architectural approach. It's particularly valuable for us as it provides a very understandable visual language for those who are less well versed in other (2D) forms of architectural representation.
This approach invites creativity and collaboration because it pulls modelmaking away from the minutia of accurate representation, and instead allows for messier, more creative models which favour concept and experimentation over meticulous accuracy.
Modelmaking for us is utilised throughout the architectural process and at many different scales. In the early stages like competitions or feasibility studies, we tend to create a site model and/or larger models which express the exterior shell and main architectural moves. In the later stages we may focus on the macro and create elements which are larger scale, for example handrail details, furniture pieces, facade panels, or finishes.
We also have an interiors team, so we often make models of floor plans which allow us to test interior fit-outs and furniture layouts.
In-house professional modelmakers: 1
Machines/equipment/workspace available for modelmaking activity.
One large workshop space, divided into 3 rooms; An assembly area with 4 3D printers, laser cutting room, and a room for wood working which includes power tools like a chop saw, table saw, small band saw, sanding station and a spray booth.
Materials/processes/styles used:
Our main material is wood, both mdf and ply, followed by PLA (3d prints) and plaster (casting). Our models tend to be more representative and indicative rather than realistic.
How modelmaking activities take place within the practice:
● Architects make models
The practice modelmaker guides part 2 & parts 1 architects through the model making process. Although he may often take the lead, it is a collaborative endeavor. Approximately half the models made at Piercy will be made by more than just one person.
Indeed, my background is that I studied architecture at university and will go on to continue my studies, but for now my main focus and work is modelmaking.