On-site as an Interdisciplinary Practice

This discussion on the architectural site in relation to design practice focuses on the contributions of interdisciplinary collaborations and the creation of new ways to engage with issues of site as opposed to operating within assumed processes. Site-specificity in this instance refers to qualities inherent not only to the site in question, but ones which specifically have the ability to drive and are catalytic for precise on-site design decisions and processes. Attention is drawn to the capacity to distinguish between conventional assumptions concerning site studies in relation to design practice in general, and the notion of site-specificity that affects the manner in which site information is collected and employed during the working process. In other words, the innovative manners of engagement are specific to this one particular site and hence, the precise working methods employed, and eventual outcomes are not transferable. Issues of site and site-specificity concerning the National Portrait Gallery, London, from its inception in 1896 to the massive overhaul at onset of the last Millennium are explored through design narratives. Beginning with the assumption that design starts at the moment of site investigative studies and in order for any exclusive features and traits to be adopted, co-authorship through collaborating with different disciplines to develop new working practices and the sharing of expertise from the onset is important.