Whaur Extremes Meet

1989 - 1990. Whaur Extremes Meet (Gunn & Renwick) developed an experimental  research project called, ‘Whaur Extremes Meet’. In collaboration with environmental engineer, Guy Battle and structural engineer, Chris McCarthy (both formerly of Ove Arup and Partners, London), Gunn and Renwick designed and built an environmentally sensitive debating forum. The physical structure acted as a catalyst for environmental debate in each of the following cities: Istanbul, Athens, Belgrade, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, and Glasgow. Each debate provided the opportunity for dialogue amongst professionals from a wide variety of disciplines involved in the shaping of the urban environment with a view to challenging the knowledge boundaries that have traditionally existed between specialists. The structure was designed to provide students in architecture, engineering and design with hands on experience of building. Students across the disciplines of architecture, engineering, fine art and design were involved in each of the cities specified. The project attracted research funding from the European Cultural Foundation, British Council, the Scottish Arts Council and sponsorship from industry including Ove Arup. The exhibition was widely reviewed including: 1991. Battle, G. & McCarthy, C. ‘Whaur Extremes Meet: A bio-climatic structure’. Property Journal, Feb.