Show Us Your Thesis: Joe Batchelor
Joe Batchelor, viewing the Fernery Diorama through the main entrance.
Main entrance model from the Fernery Diorama.
Beach Lookout process model.
A process model composed in the landscape diorama.
A tree weta explores the Beach Whare Nui model.
Beach Whare Nui process model.
User’s perspective through the Boatshed Viewing Device.
Selected composition of Boatshed Viewing Device.
1:1 planning drawn on Back Beach, New Plymouth.
ArchitectureNow and the Student Architecture Network New Zealand (SANNZ) have once again teamed up to present an interview series on the work and thoughts of final year Master of Architecture students (in 2017) at New Zealand's three schools of architecture: Victoria University of Wellington, The University of Auckland and Unitec Institute of Technology.
The third in this series features a chat with Joe Batchelor of Victoria University, whose thesis explores how we consume architecture over the genuine experience.
SANNZ: In 20 words, what is your thesis about?
Joe Batchelor: I’m exploring architecture that privileges the photograph over the genuine experience, i.e. if architecture was a basic bitch, how would it look and what would it do.
SANNZ: Who is your supervisor and why did you choose to work with him/her?
JB: Sam Kebbell. I chose Sam because I appreciate his ‘no bullshit’ approach to teaching. He calls it as he sees it, and I much prefer it that way. The arguments – I mean ‘critical discourse’ – that we have are valuable in preparing for crit.
Also, I respect his constant reminders that buildings are our language as architects, and that whatever ideas or theories I have, it is the architecture that should speak, not me.
SANNZ: When you started your Masters in 2017 at the start of fourth year, did you think your thesis would take this direction?
JB: More or less. Of course there have been surprises and diversions along the way. But I knew I would make models, and yeah, I made models.
SANNZ: What are your plans for this year?
JB: The basic idea is to save up and go on an O.E. I plan on helping build my sister’s house over summer. Might also look for an arci job because there seems to be plenty of work around.
SANNZ: Do you feel that architecture school has prepared you for the realities of working in the industry?
JB: I don’t think I could design a proper building, but yeah, sure I feel prepared. For a while I felt really disillusioned with my education in terms of its relation to practice. But I’ve come to realise it’s a good thing, I’m glad we focus on the more artistic and theoretical aspects of architecture at uni. I think while practicing is the best time to learn all that boring stuff, when someone is paying you.
SANNZ: Do you work while studying/how many hours? How do you find the balance?
JB: I do a couple hours tutoring each week, the rest I spend working on my thesis. When I say working, I really mean yarning and watching YouTube though – I guess that’s balance?
SANNZ: How do you feel about potentially moving into a 40-hour work week?
JB: 40 hours sounds leisurely, but I will miss being able to take time off whenever I want.
SANNZ: What music or artist has helped you get through architecture school?
JB: Anything jazz, rap or soul, Tom Misch is the go-to, he kind of encompasses it all. These albums have been on repeat lately: Tyler the Creator – Flower Boy, SZA – Ctrl and Mac Demarco – This Old Dog.
SANNZ: What do you enjoy most about architecture school? Or, what will you miss the most about architecture school when you leave?
JB: Access to the workshop equipment and the extremely knowledgeable technicians. The resources we have are epic, and although there is a small fee, it’s still the cheapest laser cutting or CNC time you’ll ever get.
SANNZ: Where can we go to see more of your stuff?
JB: @flatlandd on Instagram: I try to put up a new post every day, check it out.
The Show Us Your Thesis series is thanks to the Student Architecture Network New Zealand and to the students involved. Read more interviews here.
