Ben Speedy
Victoria University of Wellington
Ben Speedy has always had an interest in the role architecture has in facilitating the threshold between our digital and analogue realities. His thesis is a reaction to data’s failed physical manifestation in the built environment. Read on for more about his relationship with his supervisor, the constant coffee that fuels him and to find out how many homes can be kept warm all year round from the heat of the largest data centre at Google.
Student Architecture Network New Zealand: What is your thesis about?
Ben Speedy: My thesis is a reaction to data’s failed physical manifestation in the built environment. While data centres serve in driving global communications and economies, they operate as impenetrable objects without a common physical expression away from red and blue wires. This camouflages the physicalness of rapid digital data production and consumption. Giving data this ‘ghost’ like presence within the mechanisms of the modern world.
Coined the ‘Ghost in the Machine’, the research aims to develop a response that places data front and center for society to experience, arguing for a legible architectural existence befitting of data’s role in contemporary infrastructure. Whilst hopefully gifting some sort of analogue understanding to its current and very digital place in space.
SANNZ: Who is your thesis supervisor and why did you choose to work with him/her?
Ben: Dr. Peter Wood. Throughout my time at VUW my favourite papers have been those coordinated by Peter. My own understandings and approaches to architecture have always been challenged in the best ways with him guiding me through. That coupled with his approach to ridiculous university processes a.k.a. “don’t listen to their sh*t”, meant we were fated for a good time.
SANNZ: When you started your Master’s just over a year ago at the start of fourth year, did you think your thesis would take this direction?
Ben: Roughly. I have always been interested with the role architecture has in facilitating the threshold between our digital and analogue realities. But Peter likes to keep things fresh, so you never quite know where things are going to go or the avenues you’ll end up exploring. I think that’s one of the more exciting aspects of undertaking a design led thesis, not knowing where it will end up. I don’t think I would be able to last a full year in studio if I knew exactly where I was going.
SANNZ: What are your plans for next year?
Ben: It’s a good time to be coming out of architecture school and I’m looking forward to jumping in and getting amongst! Everyone seems to have plans to travel, which is starting to tickle my travel bug. But I’m hoping to get registered ASAP so another 2-3 years and then maybe I’ll take a break…
SANNZ: Do you feel architecture school has prepared you for the realities of working in the industry?
Ben: Yes and no. There are always going to be things that can only be taught through being apart of the industry, architecture used to be an apprenticeship after all. I think the single biggest gift the five years of independent study has given me is thinking time. Time to process how I see and understand architecture and the ambitions and processes I plan to take into my architectural future. I remember my first day in practice, you never really feel ready until you’re there and the big man says “well done”.
SANNZ: Do you work while studying/how many hours? How do you find the balance?
Ben: I work for a firm part time and tutor. First semester I tutored two papers, which was a little hectic so I have cut it down to just one design paper for the second semester. Ends up being around 15 hours a week now, which works well for me. I try to work longer hours in studio to make up for working… we all have good intentions. And when those good intentions translate into things less good (every week), it’ll just mean I have long nights in studio with my good friend caffeine (every hand-in).
SANNZ: What music or artist has helped you get through architecture school?
Ben: I have been fortunate to be around a few music enthusiasts in my time at school (not naming any names, Zacky J, Tommy Z). Which meant my ears have been treated to a range of tunes I wouldn’t normally take the time to discover. Although this year I don’t seem to be able to find anything that gets me going as much as a bit of dirty Schoolboy Q. His latest album ‘Blank Face’ has been a godsend. Tookie Knows II is a university career highlight for sure; the music vid is life.
SANNZ: What coffee has fueled your degree and where do you normally buy it from?
Ben: I enjoy a good brew in the morning and transition between Midnight and Rags depending on the days feels/who ever’s joining me. Used to have 2-3 a day until Mum told me to keep it to one so I don’t kill myself. A slight exaggeration I’m sure, but nonetheless good advice.
SANNZ: What do you enjoy most about architecture school?
Ben: The critiques. Kidding, definitely the people and studio environment. A large portion of our year is pretty tight; we work together and party together. Makes for some great weekends and interesting Mondays. In terms of architecture though I think everyone being on friendly terms within the year group has meant that all of our work has benefited at some stage. Everyone likes to help and be helped, it’s a great environment to be involved in.
SANNZ: Teach me something I don’t know?
Ben: Heat given off from the data racks in just one of Google’s larger data centers can provide enough heat to warm 500 homes year round… wow. Upto Google?
