The Bare Bones

This week I took possession of a derelict mechanics garage in north London. The space has sat largely untouched for decades, but it offers the opportunity to create a workshop designed from the ground up to properly support the way I have come to work.

When looking for a space, one of the most important things for me was a natural separation of space. Different parts of the making process benefit from different conditions, and I wanted a layout where those could exist alongside one another without friction. I wanted the machines separated in a self-contained room to provide a degree of tranquility in the bench space, while allowing the workshop to still feel open and connected.

Light was another priority. While much of the working light needed in a workshop is inevitably artificial, having some natural light and a visual connection to the outside world matters and contributes to my overall goal of building an enjoyable place to work.

Now that the space has been cleared, there is a chance to sit with it properly and think about how it should be organised before the renovation work begins.