Performative Architectures in 3 Acts.

Act 1 – Folkestone Masque

Act 2 – Writing the City

Act 3 – Alternative Atlas

A trilogy of architectural performances, panel discussion, exhibition & publication that explores ideas of the ‘place’ in the unique context of Folkestone.

Folkestone Masque was developed by HOP Projects CIC, in conversations with Declan Molloy, Matt Rowe (B&B Project Space), Kevin (The Model Shop, Folkestone) and Andy (the Lime Bar). Triggered by ‘Grit in the Oyster’, a body of work that represents the often overlooked rituals and aesthetics of carnivalesque culture in the traditional British seaside resort. It reflects a cultural space where the conventions and boundaries of socially acceptable behaviour or reckless hedonism could become blurred.

Working with Unit J architectural students from Oxford Brookes University, the masque is 6 week development of elaborate and temporary stage-set ensemble, made out of mobile/wearable components, culminating in a day’s  – capturing a seaside resort in ‘permanent off-season’…

Cover Image courtesy of Matt Rowe

The team was divided into 3 groups, each developed unique briefs with different clients. The story-telling group worked with Matt Rowe to design and fabricate a series of pavilions for the project, ‘Finding Eanswyth’; the acoustic group worked with Andy from the Lime Bar to construct a series of wearable costumes that have the potential to alter one’s experiences when moving the city; The RC group worked with Folkestone Radio Control Bangers Club, designed and fabricated a set of modular car tracks, including 2 ramps, crash barriers, and customised radio control cars.