PROJECT ONE:// The Guild of Freemen, City of London
The Freemen of the City of London date back to the 11th century when Redemption (the act of becoming a Freeman for a fee) was required to vote, trade, get reduced market rates, etc. It was the elite of the city. Today, it is little more than an honorary title, with no privilege other the right to drive sheep across the bridge’s of London, into the city. However, they still remain; the ancient society is still alive, and there are currently some 4000 Freemen worldwide .The City Corporation has a budget allocated to the maintenance of Freemen practice and freely welcomes new applications to become a Freeman. Anybody, of any nationality, over the age of 18 can apply, the only requirement being that you receive ‘sponsorship’ (a signature) from two existing Freemen (as approval for access to the society).
It is a tradition upheld by the Corporation, however, it is little known, misunderstood and there is no permanent property that belongs to the Freemen – meetings, activities, the ceremonies and council matters are carried out in hired backrooms of the Guildhall. Thus, my building will become a permanent symbol for the City, and of the Freemen. It will be the centre of The Guild of Freemen, house the application process, be a home to ceremony, and become an attraction of the City for long staying tourists who intend to become Freemen of the City as extended memorabilia of their visit.
My site is situated on the edge of the city’s boundaries, on the River Thames. The site was chosen so that Freemen can obtain and admire views of their city. Both St. Pauls and Monument have protected vistas, and my site, in the Thames, is the only point within the city where the protected vistas (defined by the corporation) overlap, giving my site views of both landmarks, and the Freemen an exclusive, inclusive view of their city. It is orientated towards the guildhall, in respect for the governmental centre of their city.
The architecture is constructed around the anamorphic projection of the symbol of the City of London. Floors and ceilings inside the building need to fade away to maintain the projection from the view point.
Arrival to the site is via a boat from ‘Montague Close’ – outside the Corporations boundary. From here, you look across into The City and the anamorphic symbol of The City constructed by the proposal. This is the only point at which you can view the symbol – for once your journey begins, you travel closer, and inside the projection from where it appears as nothing more than follies in a landscape.
Two journeys transpire within the site; the first is for application to the Guild by arriving at the first docking station, and travelling up to the Court of the Chamberlain Clerk, where Freedom of the City is explained and application submitted (after visiting the Chamber of the Common Council to receive two approving signatures of existing freemen). The second, is a month or so later, during your redemption ceremony, when you are granted Freedom. This time, the boat travels past the first dock and under the arches of the Chamber and Court (where you are greeted with applause and welcome on your procession to Freedom) to the rear of the site and the second docking station, where atop the staircase of redemption, you are welcomed into the guild and finally view the unique vista of The City.
