Geoffrey Makstutis

Geoffrey studied architecture at the University of Michigan (1988) and then the Architectural Association (1994). In 1996, he became a qualified architect, and is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects Registration Board. Following his studies he worked with Branson Coates architecture until 1997, when he helped to form 51% Studios. In 2002, he formed my own practice; Makstutis Architecture and Design (MAAD). In 2004, Geoffrey was appointed Course Director of the BA (Honours) Arts, Design & Environment Course at Central Saint Martins. The course includes pathways in Architecture, Spatial Design and Artefact.

Migration is the working title of a project which explores the role of design in crisis management - how design and designers can play a part in assisting organisations (United Nations, Red Cross, NGO’s, etc) in supporting people in times of crisis.
The project, while in its formative stages, starts with two surveys:
Decisive Change - a review of the types of crises which are either ongoing (eg. Long-term refugee situations) or re-appearing (eg. Displaced persons, natural disaster relief). This will examine the unique as well as the common elements of these situations. This survey will also look into the insitutional structures which have been developed to address these issues.
Shelter – a survey of the types of design responses that have been employed in the past. Beyond simply considering the physical development of design solutions, this phase of research will also consider the emotional and social aspects of resettlement and rehousing. Crucial questions which will be addressed are:
* How can a sense of place be maintained during a period of resettlement?
* What are the effects on traditional social structures in periods of long-term rehousing?
* What are seen as the important issues for design from the point of view of the users and organisations involved?
It is intended that this phase of research will result in the development of an evaluative process, derived through consultation, which can form the basis upon which future design strategies may be developed. The primary outcome of the project will be a series of design propositions, developed in response to the outcomes of the evaluative process. It is intended that a number of partnerships will be developed with industry in order to develop prototypes which can be tested in ‘live’ situations and studied.
In addition, Geoffrey is working with Denna Jones (Designer in Residence for the BA Arts, Design and Environment course) on developing a joint research project in the area of low cost housing called Constructure. This project is also in its early stages, but it is envisioned that there will be some crossover between Constructure and Migration.