Capturing Innovation: A Photographic Journey Through The Hill at H-FARM Campus

In October 2022, I had the privilege to document an extraordinary project on the outskirts of Venice – The Hill at H-FARM campus. This endeavor is more than just an architectural achievement; it's a vision brought to life by the esteemed RSHP team, including Richard Rogers, Stephen Spence, Ed Hiscock, Jo Murtagh, Joseph Park, Mariana Garza, Richard Black, and Yuting Cheng.

The Hill stands at the heart of the H-CAMPUS, a sprawling 30-hectare park designed as an ecosystem for education, innovation, and collaboration. This multipurpose building, with its auditorium, library, and café, is the connective tissue linking the primary school, secondary school, university, and student accommodations. It embodies a world constantly reinventing itself, where students, entrepreneurs, and experts coexist and contribute to a thriving collective identity.

From the gently rising ground that offers views over the serene countryside to the east wing's large kitchen and the west wing's versatile hall capable of hosting 1000 people, every aspect of The Hill is a testament to the harmony between architecture, nature, and human interaction. The building itself, a covered arena and a public square, invites engagement and exploration.

Through my photography, I aimed to capture the essence of this unique educational landscape. From ground-level intricacies to breathtaking aerial perspectives, each shot reflects the building's role as a center of gravity for the campus. The images, taken from dawn till dusk, not only showcase the architectural brilliance but also the vibrant life it nurtures within its walls.

This project illustrates a profound respect for the surrounding nature and the site's history, emphasizing sustainability, flexibility, and the symbiotic relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. It represents a step forward in creating environments where learning and innovation can flourish alongside nature.

I am thrilled to share these moments with you and invite you to view the collection below. As we marvel at the beauty of The Hill and H-FARM campus, let's connect and discuss how we can bring similar visions to life through the power of photography and design.



Innovative Modular Housing Project: YMCA Thames Gateway by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

In recent months, I've had the pleasure of photographing an exciting new project, the YMCA Thames Gateway, conceived by world-renowned architecture firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP). This was more than just an architectural shoot – it was an opportunity to document a groundbreaking project reshaping the future of affordable, sustainable housing in the heart of Romford, Essex.

YMCA Thames Gateway, an initiative under the umbrella of the YMCA Thames Gateway Group, is an inventive housing development addressing the long-standing issue of affordable move-on accommodation. Its design, execution, and purpose represent a monumental leap forward for the organization and those it serves.

The heart of this project is Park View, a development comprising 39 modular residential units. This innovative design allows the YMCA to offer high-quality, affordable housing to single individuals transitioning from the main hostel towards independence. With each unit constructed off-site in Derbyshire, they were then transported and assembled on the site in Essex. From the start of installation in July 2020, it took just half a year to complete the final home assembly in January 2021.

The compact, self-contained homes within Park View bring a sense of community, offering generous, high-quality spaces featuring exceptional insulation, daylight, and acoustics. Leveraging rapid, cost-effective volumetric technology, this method of construction introduces a sustainable, equitable approach to house building – an innovation we're likely to see more frequently in the future.

The project's success wouldn't have been possible without a diligent team working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their collective efforts resulted in a collection of images that truly embody the spirit of the project and a captivating short video detailing the project and its residents.

One such resident, Paul Oshodin, has expressed the transformative impact of moving into Park View. The stability provided by the YMCA and the sense of autonomy in his new home have been invaluable. Projects like the YMCA Thames Gateway demonstrate the power of innovative architecture in shaping and improving lives.

Documenting the YMCA Thames Gateway project was a rewarding experience. The fusion of architecture, community, and transformation is truly inspiring. I look forward to continuing to share stories of innovation and resilience through my lens. Stay tuned for more projects that are reshaping our urban landscape.

Please watch video below.

To see the images in full screen please click here.