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Architecture and Sailing – Is there a link?

11 Oct Architecture and Sailing – Is there a link?

Posted at 11:34h in Architects in London, bubble news, City Escape, Freedom of the Ocean, Sailing and Architecture by
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Introduction

Architecture and sailing may seem like an unlikely pair initially, but examine a little deeper, and you will discover a surprising connection between the two. Architects are often drawn to sailing for reasons beyond the love of the open sea and the feel of the wind in their sails. In my own sailing club at Wembley (WSC) several Architects are members. This blog explores why Architects are attracted to sailing, highlighting the parallels between these two seemingly contrasting worlds.

1. Design in Motion

One of the most compelling reasons Architects are drawn to sailing is the design element. Sailing boats, whether classic (sailing) yachts or modern racing boats, are marvels of engineering and design. Architects appreciate the synergy between form and function found in sailboat design. The graceful curves of a yacht’s hull, the aerodynamic shape of the sails, and the incredible efficient use of space on board all resonate with the Architect’s love for aesthetics and functionality. Having said this there are different opinions about the design of catamarans and 5-storeys motor yachts. Please feel free to leave your comment!

2. Precision and Attention to Detail

Sailing demands precision and attention to detail—high qualities which Architects value in their work. Every line, sheet and rope, knot, and adjustment on a sailboat can significantly impact performance and safety. Architects, who are accustomed to obsessing over every detail of a building’s design and construction, find a similar satisfaction in the precise adjustments and calculations required for sailing.

3. The Art of Navigation

Navigation is an integral part of sailing, and Architects often appreciate the art and science of planning a course and reading charts (the good old map!). Just as Architects carefully plan every aspect of a building to ensure it harmonises with its surroundings and meets its intended use, sailors must navigate with precision, taking into account wind, currents, and weather conditions to reach their destination safely.

4. A Break from the Daily Routine

Sailing offers (not only) Architects a welcome escape from the daily demands of their profession. On the water, they can leave behind the stress of meetings, deadlines, and client expectations. Sailing allows them to disconnect, rejuvenate, and gain a fresh perspective, often leading to newfound inspiration and creativity.

5. The Love of Nature and Adventure

Sailing takes Architects out of their urban environments and connects them with nature in a profound way (not many buildings are seen!). The experience of harnessing the power of the wind, exploring remote coves, and witnessing breathtaking sunsets at sea taps into their sense of adventure and appreciation for the natural world. This connection with nature often finds its way into their architectural designs, promoting sustainability and harmony with the environment.

6. Problem-Solving Under Pressure

Sailing can be unpredictable, and Architects who sail learn to adapt and solve problems quickly, often under challenging conditions. This ability to make split-second decisions and find creative solutions transfers seamlessly to their architectural practice, where they encounter unexpected challenges on construction sites or in design revisions.

Conclusion

Architects are attracted to sailing due to the shared principles of design, precision, and adventure that connect these two seemingly contrary worlds. Sailing provides architects with a unique outlet for their creative and problem-solving skills while offering an escape from the demands of their profession. In return, their experiences on the water often enhance their architectural work, freely creating a beautiful synergy between the two passions.

Feel free to add or comment!

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Marlen Tallett

Marlen has over 15 years' experience in the TV & Film industry, and 7 years' experience in supporting businesses administratively across various industries from hospitality, to eCommerce and everything in between.

Marlen joined bubble in 2025, helping to ensure the admin side of the business is running smoothly, which allows the studio team to give their all to client projects.

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Patricia Hickey

Over the past 25 years Patricia Hickey has worked as an Architect and Sustainability Coach in Germany and throughout the UK.

Patricia began her career in Germany at small design practices. She moved to London in 2002 where she joined one of UK’s leading commercial practices, 3DReid. There she established a strong background in residential and retail schemes for the UK market.

She has led major developments and social housing schemes, including a 535-unit-residential-led mixed-use scheme, through planning and construction stage.

Since setting up bubble architects, she focuses on delivering high quality housing schemes in UK. Her core skills include the ability to deliver complex schemes to tight deadlines and on budget.

Patricia qualified at the Universities Carolo Wilhemina Brunswick, Technical University Berlin and Westminster University London. She has a particular interest and expertise in sustainability.

She is a licenced BRE Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor and External Examiner at Kingston University, School of Art, London.

Michael Hickey

Michael Hickey established bubble architects with Patricia at the end of 2009 to focus on producing well designed and commercially successful residential led proposals.

Educated at the DIT in Dublin Ireland, he originally qualified as an Architectural Technologist before coming to London in 1983. He subsequently studied at the London MET where he studied architecture. He has worked for a number of top 10 UK practices.

Prior to setting up bubble architects, he was the design lead and coach at one of UK’s leading commercial practices. He was responsible for developing a wide variety of schemes including high end residential projects in Park Lane and Mayfair London. His last scheme at that practice was nominated for `best new Office Building’ in Central London by the British Council of Offices.

With over 35 years of experience, Michael understands both the commercial aspects of the industry together with the planning framework within which they will be developed. He enjoys the combination of conceptual design as well as technical design development.

 

Iain Sang

Ian Sang joined the bubble team in 2014.

Ian is originally from Glasgow but trained in Manchester, where he briefly worked and in Edinburgh. He headed to London way back in 1975 to specialize in housing design, which he has done ever since in both public and private sectors.

Most recently he was technical director at Sprunt Architects where he was responsible for monitoring and ensuring the technical accuracy and quality of all the output from three architectural design teams and one landscape design team.

If you would like to know more about Ian’s work and experience please visit his website iansangarchitect.com.

 

 

Salome Ripoll

Salomé graduated in Architecture at Technical School of Architecture of Barcelona. Before moving to London, Salomé worked at Barcelona’s Public Space Department gaining knowledge in urban spaces and furniture. She combined it with being a Teaching Assistant at the Structure’s Department at her University.

Salome joined bubble architects in October 2016. She is Associate Director leading several residential projects from design to managing projects and completion on site.

 

 

Pelin Alemdar

Pelin joined bubble architects in 2024. She completed her bachelor’s degree in architecture in TOBB University of Economics and Technology and gained hands-on experience in practices in Turkey and Hungary, working on a variety of projects. Driven by a keen interest in how architecture shapes everyday life in cities, she pursued a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism at the Manchester School of Architecture.  Pelin works on residential projects, contributing project development.

Ashriya Gurung

Born in Nepal, since moving to the UK, Ashriya has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the University of West of England in Bristol. Before joining the bubble team in February 2021, she has worked at architects’ practices between semesters where she would assist in making models and drawings for projects involving residential, church buildings, and office conversion. After completing her studies, she joined bubble architects and is now working on a range of projects, primarily residential through different design stages.