Example case study dissertation topic 4:

The placing of ‘utilities’ – a comparison of the university buildings of Basil Spence with the Lloyds of London building.

The internalisation of ‘utilities’ such as downward drainpipes and guttering in buildings designed for universities by Basil Spence (for example, Falmer House, University of Sussex and St Aidan’s College, Durham), is in direct contrast to the externalisation of pipework on the Lloyds of London building (by Richard Rogers). The former design was inspired by a desire to create clean lines but has created challenges for maintenance as a result of listed status not allowing the construction of new ‘outward’ systems of drainage once those first designed were no longer fit for purpose. In contrast, the externalisation of such facilities on the Lloyd’s building has made repair easier but has resulted in a more controversially more aesthetically pleasing structure. This dissertation compares and contrasts the buildings noted and the architectural techniques used within them. This dissertation could be further extended and expanded by also conducting primary interviews with the users of the buildings involved to see how they react to the architecture in which they work and study.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Abley, I. (2005). Expressing more than structure’, Architectural Design, Vol. 75, pp. 119-121.
• Gardner-Medwin, R. (1956). ‘The decline of architecture’, Higher Education Quarterly, Vol. 10, pp. 132-142.
• Long, P. and Thomas, J (2008). Basil Spence, architect. Edinburgh: National Galleries of Scotland.