The use of precedents
The Dictionary definition of a precedent is “an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances”. From this, we can understand that it is something we take inspiration from and particularly may be a something specific such as material that fuels the creative process for a future project.
It is important to include a precedent study within projects because it shows a good understanding and skill when it is evident that a piece of work has been studied and inspiration has been taken from it. You can be inspired by anything from materiality to the actual function of a building.
It is important to share ideas and work collaboratively as it can be valuable for everyone, and remember, no idea is original! Therefore, we must share with others and not hide our work in fear of plagiarism.
For my last project ‘Environmental Moderator’ I found my main precedent from walking around the site and studying the architecture around it. I came across a home by Bathurst Basin in Bristol which had a bathroom window with an intriguing design. Instead of a traditional window, it consisted of an angled metal cover sticking 45 degrees out the window to refract the view with a mirror. You’d look at it and your eyes would meet a reflection of bright green trees which contrasted the dull concrete. This led me to create a pavilion focused on glass mirrors and manipulating the way we view the environment, for example, looking up to see water and down to look at the sky.
“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of coloured glass that have been in use through all the ages.”
Mark Twain
The way I found the square was quite coincidental, therefore it underpins the idea of how precedents are everywhere around us. I was merely walking around London and suddenly I found myself in this square which envisioned many characteristics of what to me is a successful public space. This later became my inspiration for a housing project.
Written by: Ekaterina Petkova