Joe Batchelor
Victoria University of Wellington
Sharing the same initials as renowned botanist Joseph Banks, it wouldn’t be a silly thought to assume that Joe Batchelor was following down a similar career path. Surrounded by numerous assortments of pot plants in studio, this architecture student explores how we consume architecture over the genuine experience. Click the link below to find out what this young man from the ‘Naki wants to do next year, why he enjoys his supervisor’s ‘no Bullsh*t’ approach and what he’ll miss about architecture school.
SANNZ: In 20 words, what is your thesis about? (this is quite short, maybe a couple of sentences?)
Joe Batchelor: I’m exploring architecture which privileges the photograph over the genuine experience - I.e. If architecture was a basic b*tch how would it look and what would it do.
SANNZ: Who is your supervisor and why did you choose to work with him/her?
JB: Sam Kebbell. I chose Sam because I appreciate his no bulls*it approach to teaching. He calls it as he sees it, and I much prefer it that way. The arguments, I mean `critical discourse’ we have are valuable in preparing for crit. Also I respect his constant reminders that buildings are our language as architects, and that whatever ideas or theories I have, it is the architecture should speak, not me.
SANNZ: When you started your Masters just over a year ago at the start of fourth year, did you think your thesis would take this direction?
JB: More or less. Of course there have been surprises and diversions along the way. But I knew I would make models, and yeah, I made models.
SANNZ: Where are you from? What’s your opinion of the architecture or built environment there?
JB: The Naki, specifically New Plymouth. The architecture there is pretty standard, no different to any other NZ town really, but we do have the recently completed Len Lye Centre which is really well designed. I do rate the urban planning however, the city centre was supposed to be located 10km north at the mouth of the Waitara river, but the Maori land wars prevented this from happening. This resulted in the city stretching along a really rugged but beautiful part of the coast. The coastal walkway capitalised on this creating a stunning pedestrian link 13km long which hugs the water’s edge, it’s ideal for walking, skating and biking. Everyone should come for a visit, not for the built environment, but for the natural environment. It’s the perfect playground for outdoor activities, and is the only place I know in NZ that you can go surfing and skiing in the same day.
(Editor note: Possible to ski and surf in Timaru on the same day.)
SANNZ: What are your plans for next year?
JB: The basic idea is to save up and go on an O.E. I plan on helping build my sister’s house over summer. Might also look for an arci job because there seems to be plenty of work around.
SANNZ: Do you feel that architecture school has prepared you for the realities of working in the industry?
JB: I don’t think I could design a proper building, but yeah, sure I feel prepared. For a while I felt really disillusioned with my education in terms of its relation to practice. But I’ve come to realise it’s a good thing, I’m glad we focus on the more artistic and theoretical aspects of architecture at uni. I think while practicing is the best time to learn all that boring stuff, when someone is paying you.
SANNZ: Do you work while studying/how many hours? How do you find the balance?
JB: I do a couple hours tutoring each week, the rest I spend working on my thesis. When I say working I really mean yarning and watching YouTube though, I guess that’s balance?
SANNZ: How do you feel about potentially moving into a 40-hour work week?
JB: 40 hours sounds leisurely, but I will miss being able to take time off whenever I want.
SANNZ: What music or artist has helped you get through architecture school?
JB: Anything jazz, rap or soul, Tom Misch is the go to, he kind of encompasses it all. These albums have been on repeat lately; Tyler the Creator -Flower Boy, SZA -Ctrl & Mac Demarco – This Old Dog
SANNZ: What do you enjoy most about architecture school? Or, what will you miss the most about architecture school when you leave?
JB: Access to the workshop equipment and the extremely knowledgeable technicians. The resources we have here are epic, and although there is small fee it still the cheapest laser cutting or CNC time you’ll ever get.
SANNZ: Where can we go to see more of your stuff?
@flatlandd on Instagram, new post every day, check it out
