John Soane and James Stirling, born centuries apart, embody the idea of the archetypical erudite architect, a figure which has been emerging since the Renaissance. They shared an unrivalled knowledge of architectural history, which in turn became inspiration for their architectural projects. 

Both offices made extensive use of drawing as a communication tool, often pushing the boundaries of representational language. These beautiful works of art allow us to discuss not only the role of drawing before computers but also the collaborative nature of the architectural practice. 

In this workshop for architecture students, hosted and convened by Dr Marco Iuliano (University of Liverpool School of Architecture), you will have the opportunity to view at close hand drawings produced by both Soane and Stirling’s offices in sessions led by Anna McAlaney (Library Curatorial Assistant at Sir John Soane’s Museum) and Dr Iuliano. There will also an exclusive visit to Soane’s newly restored Drawing Office and an exhibition tour of The Architecture Drawing Prize, led by 2021 winner Dafni Filippa, to see the best in contemporary architectural drawing from around the world. The session will include a group discussion and an opportunity for participants to share examples of their own architectural drawings. 

Call for Entries

There are 9 places available to students (undergraduate, graduate and PhD) to take part in the workshop.

If you are interested in participating, you should submit a drawing accompanied by a brief description of no more than 200 words, reflecting upon the role of representation as a thinking device.

The work can be in any media and of any kind, from a sketch to a technical detail.

Submissions should be sent in digital format to Fiona Smith, Public Programmes Manager at Sir John Soane’s Museum: fsmith@soane.org.uk 

Deadline: Monday 20 March 2023 at 5PM 

Workshop organisers will select and invite the participants by Thursday 6 April 2023. 

Please note that we are unable to cover expenses.

The session will include:

  • Close examination of drawings by Soane and Stirling 
  • Presentation of personal work
  • Group discussions

Activities will include: 

  • Critical reflection on architectural drawings
  • Visit to Soane’s Drawing Office

Schedule

15.00 

  • Arrival and welcome 
  • Introduction to the session by Dr Marco Iuliano

15.15

  • Presentation by Anna McAlaney on Soane’s office drawing
  • Presentation by Marco Iuliano on Stirling’s office drawings
  • Presentation by Dafni Filippa of the 2022 drawing prize winners 

16.00

  • Group 1: Visit the Adam Study Centre to view drawings by Soane’s Office
  • Group 2: Visit Soane’s newly restored Drawing Office

16.15

  • Group 1: Visit Soane’s newly restored Drawing Office
  • Group 2: Visit the Adam Study Centre to view drawings by Soane’s Office

16.30

  • Group 1: Visit the Adam Study Centre to view drawings by Stirling’s Office
  • Group 2: Visit the Architecture Drawing Prize 2022

16.45

  • Group 1: Visit the Architecture Drawing Prize 2022
  • Group 2: Visit the Adam Study Centre to view drawings by Stirling’s Office

17.00

  • Students’ presentations, group discussion and Q&A

18.00

  • Drinks reception

19.00

  • Ends

The workshop is in collaboration with the Centre for Architecture and the Visual Arts, University of Liverpool, and kindly supported by Sheppard Robson.

Image: Number One Poultry worm’s eye view facade annotated by James Stirling, London, 1986. Pencil, pink pencil ad red ink on tracing paper.