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ABSTRACT LOGIC (meaning is overrated).

Part 2 Project 1999
Susan O. Mc Cutcheon
University of Liverpool | UK
ABSTRACT LOGIC (meaning is overrated).

the design theory of abstract logic can be best described as treating the real in an unreal manner.

the work presented provides an example of how a notional "set of rules" (the basis of applying abstract logic) can be used to affect a portion of urban fabric.
the packaging of the applied theory is as a procedure which may be utilised by architects/developers as a tool to acquire funding, from speculators/government bodies interested in regenerating disused/abused urban areas. simultaneously, it may also be used as an aid for gaining support from relevant planning and development organisations.

this four month thesis shows the application of a chosen "set of rules" to an area of, largely disused, urban fabric within Liverpool city centre.
the purpose of this exercise was to demonstrate how abstract logic can be successfully applied to any built urban condition.
the resulting boundary redistribution, in this case, has been marketed as plots of land, to be bought with contractual obligations regarding boundary relations, building height and design style, attached to the sale.

i believe this project shows a workable strategy for handling an un-neccessary urban condition of non-use, which is becoming more common and widespread amongst European cities.

Susan O. Mc Cutcheon


Cities evolve through complex games whose rules often have quite arbitrary origins.
To understand this and to explore them further, Susan's thesis project emerged as a daring yet sophisticated game one would play with the city, not only by establishing rules and obeying those rules, but by inventing subtle ways of circumventing them.

She tackled part of the city of Liverpool on a strategic level, with a great deal of competence, originality and authority. Within all this, and amidst some very serious exploration of the fundamentals of city formation, Susan has managed to keep a good sense of humour alive in her work - which has now become a characteristic hallmark of her architectural investigation.

It is this extraordinary combination of dedication, mastery and humour for which I commend Susan for the President's Medal.

1999
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