The first in a series of photography workshops was held at The Design Hub – Caffè Terrazzo, West Ealing. Hosted by In Opera Group. I was asked to organise this by Isabel Allen, editor of Architecture Today for members of the Regenerative Architecture Index.
Led by leading architectural photographer Timothy Soar, the session began with a slideshow of well-known, historical photographs, produced with the same materials, but with different sensibilities and results. Timothy then explored how the photographer brings their own background and history to an image and how intent and emotional content make a difference. It was an opportunity to really think about how we engage with photography.
Enzo Favro, Managing Director at In Opera, then shared insights into how the space embodies principles of Regenerative Architecture. He explained how terrazzo is produced using quarry waste, including one that uses a plant-based oil as a binding agent and also outlined the origins of the travertine which was used for the counter.
He highlighted how both the terrazzo floor tiles and courtyard wall tiles are on a system that allows them to be disassembled, relocated and reused in the future if required.
Combining these insights with a brief from Timothy, participants worked collaboratively to decide which final image image would be taken on a professional camera and the processing then discussed and analysed. The participants own photographs also resulted in many thoughtful images which expressed the materiality and story, rather than simply documenting the Café.
