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m i s s i n g p r e s u m e d f o u n d

 

/missing presumed found

1. the book is a messaging system on architecture, its issues, events and objects as perceived by those who contribute to it.

2. it will pass anonymously between complete strangers who may have very different backgrounds, experiences and opinions. In this regard it will become an invaluable collector and depositor of ideas and information on architecture, engaging with members of various communities.

3. people may wish to critique the built environment as they see it, maybe the neighbourhood they live in, a specific building or out of town shopping malls. They may wish to talk about socio-political matters, the closure of public amenities, the increasing surveillance of our day-to-day lives or the need for better housing and building practices. Because we exist almost entirely in the built environment, our lives inhibited or improved by its nature, it could be argued that the anything and everything is relevant to architecture.

4. it is important that there is no censorship of expression; we ask that people comment on their environment but ultimately we have no authority over their contribution (nor would we wish to). Possibly peoples denunciation of the book and its subject matter will prove the most significant.

5. the book can reach anyone, its geographical scope restricted only by those who find it and let it go again.

6. further to this, in regard to raising awareness and involvement in architecture, we believe that more important than galleries and information kiosks is word of mouth. The message of the book can travel beyond the boundaries of its physical journey as word spreads of its existence, purpose and aspiration.

7. acknowledging the influence of advertising in what is now the 21st Century, mpf incourages individuals to further the word of the project by participating in the posting of advertising material. Starter posters and postcards are supplied by contacting the mpf email address.

8. it is possible that the network will grow. missing presumed found is a public service produced and maintained by the public. Information regarding the preparation of an mpf book will be made available for those wishing to extend the network.

9. mpf is a not about making money. We pay for it from our own pockets and any money raised by the project is used to further the network of mpf and for project advertising, the upkeep of website and exhibitions, etc.

10. books can be sent to mpf to be collected, recorded, displayed and possibly published. At The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, 11 Mitchell lane, Glasgow, G1 3NU mpf


mpf competition statement - Architecture
RIGHT click here to download the statement text in PDF format
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The following was prepared for mpf's submission to the Pigeonhole City Competition, jointly run by The Lighthouse and GLAS. The intention for the book(s) was to record peoples experiences and opinions of the built environment. This could encompass a wide range of subjects as we exist almost entirely in the built environment and therefore it could be argued that almost all subjects are relative. The original idea behind mpf was adapted to meet the competition brief.

We want to make the subject of architecture more than just about pretty buildings. It's not really about that for us. More important than Foster's Armadillo and Rodger's Dome is how architecture, its issues, events and objects affect our lives and environment. We must widen the debate, taking it out with our academic and governmental institutions and onto the streets. People must be able to connect with the subject in a way they are comfortable with and that is relevant to them