Fall 2026 Lecture Series | Kristin Washco: "Always Between - Encountering RCR"

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture offers valuable insights into the philosophy and design process of a renowned architectural firm, grounded in the speaker’s personal encounters and study. Washco expands on the dialogue’s concepts with concrete examples from projects, explaining how the ‘between’ state manifests in spatial, material, and experiential terms. Her argumentation is coherent and persuasive, as she traces the design process from question formulation to materialization, supporting each step with specific references and observations. She effectively conveys the idea that architecture is a continuous act of becoming, not a fixed end product. The reliance on primary sources and direct experience strengthens the credibility of her claims, making the lecture both informative and intellectually engaging.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

Washco demonstrates rigor by referencing primary sources such as the El Croquis volumes and the dialogue ‘Test for an Architecture Exam’, as well as the architectural projects themselves. Her own visits to RCR’s office and Summer Workshop provide empirical grounding. The title ‘Always Between - Encountering RCR’ is accurately matched to the content, which continually explores the notion of ‘between’ in various contexts. While the presentation is a personal scholarly perspective rather than a peer-reviewed study, the internal consistency and detailed documentation reflect a high level of academic integrity. No external comments or reviews were provided to compare public reception.

The title accurately captures the central theme of the lecture—the concept of 'always between'—and clearly identifies the speaker and the context of the university lecture series.

8/10

The lecture provides a thorough and well-structured analysis of RCR Arquitectes' practice, based on direct encounters with their buildings, the architects themselves, and published texts such as the dialogue 'Test for an Architecture Exam' and El Croquis volumes. The speaker demonstrates deep familiarity with the subject, presenting a coherent narrative that blends personal experience with theoretical reflection. While not peer-reviewed, the content is credible and richly sourced within the lecture.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction to the lecture and explanation of the 'always between' theme.
• 02:00Introduction to RCR Arquitectes and the importance of El Croquis volumes.
• 05:00Discussion of the three partners and the dialogue 'Test for an Architecture Exam'.
• 20:00Analysis of RCR's design process, including watercolors, renderings, and models.
• 35:00Case study of the Espai Barberi office, highlighting the relationship with the surrounding landscape and history.

• Test for an Architecture Exam — Dialogue authored by RCR partners, published in El Croquis 2003, serves as the conceptual framework for the lecture.
• El Croquis volumes (RCR series) — Series of architectural publications documenting RCR's work, referenced as key resources for sketches, details, and process.
• Espai Barberi — Project site and office of RCR, visited by the lecturer, used as a case study to illustrate design principles.
• Hofheide Crematorium — One of RCR's projects mentioned in the lecture as an example of their architecture.