CHANNEL RESCUE

Channel Rescue is an existing organisation that operates within the Dungeness locale. Their aim is to “hold authorities to account in their duty to uphold the human rights of those crossing the channel, and advocate for safe passage and progressive legislation around refugees and migrants making journeys across. We aim to fact find, document landings, act as legal observers, and provide immediate support to those making the crossing and recently arrived people.”

The Gatherers Network have decided to use funds raised from a collective market to help Channel Rescue. In discussions with Channel Rescue there is ambition for a large scale project, but at this time the immediate funds will allow for a small scale intervention. The offering is to help Channel Rescue members carry out their duties, as well as create a humanising and welcoming experience to those that arrive at Dungeness by small boat. This is also an opportunity to create an object that positively contributes to the vernacular of Dungeness, which will then in turn become a positive representation of the humanitarian role that Dungeness has to play.

The Intervention- Background and Concept

The Intervention - Initial Design Process

The Intervention - Initial Questions and Comments

The Intervention - Precedents

Why Fire?

Gottfried Semper - Fire beginnig of society and architecture
Conviviality of gathering around a fire - routed in the heritage and tradition of many cultures - including Dungeness and the gathering around the copper tanners.
Provides several basic human needs - warmth, light and ability to clean/heat water and cook
2018 British Biennale Pavilion 'Island' - Demonstrated the importance and symbolism of providing a cup of tea - used to dispel the 'we are an island' notion

Why Fire?

Gottfried Semper - Fire beginning of society and architecture
Conviviality of Gathering around the fire - routed in the heritage and traditions of many cultures, including Dungeness and the gathering around the Copper Tanners
Provides several human basic needs - light, heat, and ability to clean and heat water and cook food
2018 British Pavilion 'Island' - Showcased the symbolism and impact on providing a cup of tea to share to dispel the idea of 'we are an island'

What else should/could the intervention consider?

Can it be for use by three groups, Channel Rescue on watch, Refugees who arrive by small boat, and also the wider Dungeness community as a gift to create a positive association
Does the intervention need to provide supplies? Is it just tea that can be made?
Is shelter a definite requirement, how significant does a lookout spot need to be? Is light beyond the flame needed to guide people in?
How can the form be representative of the physical and material vernacular of Dungeness, whilst also being an art piece that celebrates the use, and also is functional?