2008 copyright by .horhizon
.Ben Cowd
“Architecture rich in textures, rooted in the baroque whilst using the precision of 21st century modes of making. Ben Cowd playfully delves into the contextual relationship of new architectural interventions woven tightly within conflicting and complex sites, interspersing spaces with layered density whilst simultaneously relishing in the indulgence of modernity”
Introduction to the Saraben Exhibition, London 2007
Ben Cowd studied Architecture at the Bartlett, UCL under the supervision of Dr Marjan Colletti and Dr Marcus Cruz in Unit 20. During his two years in Diploma, Unit 20 received unprecedented success, being awarded the prize for best unit by Paul Finch in 2006 and again the following year by Lord Richard Rogers.
Collaborating with Sara Shafiei during his fourth year, Cowd received attention for the drawings of the ‘Palo Monte Ritual Centre’ that explored the use of bamboo as a sculptural and sustainable building material for Cuba. The drawings have since been published and exhibited worldwide to promote the use of Bamboo in Building. Cowd’s final thesis project, The Observatory has been published internationally and praised in Wallpaper magazine’s Graduate Directory and the Financial Times. It has been widely exhibited since graduating and is currently on display at the Royal Academy of Arts, Summer Exhibition 2008.
Following his success at the Bartlett, Ben Cowd reformed a successful working relationship with Sara Shafiei. In November 2007 the pair staged the Saraben Exhibition at the Dreamspace Gallery, London that attracted over 500 visitors and won critical acclaim. The pair now collaborates under the name Saraben and released saraben-studio.com in February 2008.
Ben Cowd currently works for Foster and Partners, balancing professional experience with exhibitions, research and drawing in his spare time. He accepted an invitation to become a member of Horhizon in May 2008 and has already started to collaborate on new research work for the network.