Location: The (Monotonous) Welwyn Garden City.
Brief: This project centres on the character development of the protagonist, Guy Montag, within Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. This fictional novel, first published in 1953, emphasises the
dystopian, technology-dependant, and censored future, which Bradbury foresaw.
In focusing on Montag, the reader is able to comprehend the reasoning and experiences that caused the ex fire-fighter to begin to protect the books that he spent the majority of his life burning; initially believing they were dangerous to societies well-being.
The aim of this project is to delineate Montag’s narrative, developing it into an architectonic language that has the ability to be molded into dwelling for Bradbury. Allowing him to live out his final years, in a tangible interpretation of, arguably, his most successful piece of work.
This building will serve as a reminder to the general public, demonstrating that these thought provoking items, are of foremost importance. They are stimuli, evidencing Montag’s claim. Also enabling society to glimpse and consume elements that motivate Bradbury, and aid to build and maintain the creativity, established within his works.
Bradbury is a prolific author and collector. Upon his death, his house will become the embodiment of his achievements and exhibit his life-long collection; with the addition of a compilation of how Bradbury lived and worked, in his UK home. Unwittingly, the collector ultimately becomes part of the collection.
