Phantom of the Club (2022) by Farah Nadhiera

System of Archetypes CONTINUITY IN ARCHITECTURE | MAY 2022 ENCOUNTER & EXCHANGE | STUDIO 3

Farah Nadhiera Binti Mohammad Fuad Syahirah Hanis Abd Ghafar

Contents

Thesis Question

PART A

PART B

PART C

Recap of Studio 1 and 2

Theory and Precedent

Technical Resolutions

PART D

PART E

PART F

Final Drawings

Summary & Reflections

Bibliography & Appendix

How can architects negotiate a contentious listed ruin by introducing a contemporary typology for spaces of exchange? exchange of items, conversations, stories, skills and talents

Summary Map STUDIO 1

PROLOGUE Summary Map

STUDIO 2

STUDIO 3

System of Absences

System of (Ex)change

System of Archetypes

CONTINUITY IN ARCHITECTURE | NOV 2021 ENCOUNTER & EXCHANGE | STUDIO 1

CONTINUITY IN ARCHITECTURE | FEB 2022 ENCOUNTER & EXCHANGE | STUDIO 2

CONTINUITY IN ARCHITECTURE | MAY 2022 ENCOUNTER & EXCHANGE | STUDIO 3

Archetypes /noun/ 1.

A very typical example of a certain person or thing.

2. An original which has been imitated; a prototype. 3. A recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. (Oxford Languages)

Farah Nadhiera Binti Mohammad Fuad Syahirah Hanis Abd Ghafar

STUDIO 1 PROMPT

STUDIO 2 PROMPT

STUDIO 3 PROMPT

How can architects negotiate and intervene listed buildings tainted with

Looking at the past, how can buildings preserve the heritage and identity

Explore the tectonics of building’s archetypes that are functional,

dark histories by orchestrating between the permanence and ephemeral

contemporary, and personal to Accrington’s genius loci.

aspects, as a way to reactivate UK high streets?

coming 5, 10, 50 and 100 years?

KEY SUMMARY

Studio 1 examines the site by looking introspectively into two contentious

Studio 2 progresses by selecting one site appropriate to the ambition in

buildings neglected and destroyed by arson and relates them to the

tackling the wider issues in Accrington. It analyses the changing aspects

wider urban context. The methodology and theories revolve around the themes of ghost town, process of grief, embodiment of memory and System of Absences.

KEY SUMMARY the building that interacts with their local context. This includes experimentation on methods of representations to transcend traditional

buildings in Accrington high street. By engaging with Marc Auge’s theory

ways- looking into CGI, ambience, atmosphere, reference to classical

on Non Places (1992), Archigram’s avant-garde design manifesto (1961-

paintings, perspectives, composite drawings, exhibition, etc. Different

1974), Leon Krier’s urban sketches (2009), history of retail consumption

scenes and scenarios will be tested such as day/night and summer/

and personal criticism of existing retail typology in Accrington, the

winter to prove sustainability and adaptability. General drawings and

outcome is to propose a suitable use and an appropriate building system,

resolutions will demonstrate compliances with building regulations,

giving life to the former Conservative Club.

Accrington local plan and RIBA’s Sustainable Outcomes Guide.

Recap of Studio 1 and 2 Part A summarises findings and proposals from Studio 1 and 2 to inform the final design decisions leading to Studio 3. Previously, Studio 1 reflected on the grim past of Conservative Club, whereas Studio 2 continued by investigating the current conditions, the needs and aspirations for the future. Studio 3 will thus merge the contentious heritage that is valuable and worth remembering while considering ways to negotiate for a contemporary use that is resilient, adaptive, meaningful and sustainable for Accrington.

Recap Studio 1

PART A Recap of Studio 1 and 2

Black Abbey and the Conservative Club

System of Absences kbur

In Studio 1, we have extensively explored contentious histories around Accrington, and further narrowed down our research into two selected listed ruins tainted by dark events which were ultimately destroyed by an unfortunate blaze.

13th century 1-3 Black Abbey Street

Black Abbey Street

Street

Location of the club within the Accrington Conservation Area, in proximity with other majestic artefacts of the town makes it an ideal node to break the boundary between forgotten historical landmarks and contemporary activities to initiate regeneration of the town centre.

S1 intervention (The Black Abbey)

S1 intervention (The Conservative Club)

Conservative Club 1890

Black Abbey

y Abbe

CAN

on A3

n Ro

As we engaged with multiple precedents, work and theories particularly by Sulfaro and Pierre Nora on Lieux de Memoire, we have proposed interventions on both sites that emphasises journey through memories, utilising the concept of permanence and ephemeral in our proposal. Our intervention intends to comfort, negotiate and evoke lessons on listed ruins by reinstating forgotten landmarks using local materials such as the NORI bricks and sculpted wire mesh, provoking ghostly image of the absences. Moving forward to Studio 2, we have chosen to further our thesis pursuit with the Conservative Club. While both ruins carry significant values to Accrington, the club’s composition is greater in scale and complexity compared to the abbey as a testing ground for our research.

1:2500

Blac

9 Black Abbey Street 11 Black Abbey Street & 1 Jacob Street

Cannon Street

BLACK ABBEY

ST.

Have you heard about the building that grew downwards?

In Accrington, there is one...

The Golden Era

PART A Recap of Studio 1 and 2

1890 - 1990s

A grand and bespoke design to compete with the Liberal Club In Studio 1, we investigated the glory days and downfalls of Conservative Club, coupling it with theories of ruins and options for appropriate architectural solutions. To recap the story behind this majestic building erection, when the Liberal Club (1885) opened its door just across the street, the conservatives wanted to compete by building taller and bigger at the Cannon Street. The Conservative Club was later opened not long after, in 1891 as the biggest

18901990s

conservative club in the country, attracting guests from all Early 1900s Friends of Accrington Conservative Club

When it first opened its door, the magnificient ballroom can hold up to 1,000 people from all over the world. The Victorian Society (2017)

over England.

The Downfalls

PART A Recap of Studio 1 and 2

2008 - 2016

“A magnificent building beset by neglect and vandalism” The Victorian Society, 2017

What started as a bespoke Queen Anne style building and a fierce competition to the Liberal Club opposite the street, now becomes a derelict ruin as a result from neglect, vandalism and arson attack. Studio 1 discussed the edited space and fabric of Conservative Club throughout 130 years from a proud facade to a torn fabric. The analysis is synthesised to Images: (1) ITV. (2016) Fire at the former Conservative Club in Accrington (ITV, 2016) (2)(3) Downfall of a political giant: Inside the eerie ruins of Britain’s biggest Conservative Club (Daily Mail, 2016)

propose a sensitive adaptation and capture memories to the sad ending of a formerly monumental building.

Image: Richard Needham (2016) Accrington Conservative Club destroyed by fire 18th May 2016. https://www.flickr.com/photos/46833951@N04/26512484173

The Intervention

PART A

Signboard that reads ‘Conservative Club’

Recap of Studio 1 and 2

The Permenance & The Ephemeral Our Studio 1 proposal responds to the contentious ruin by recreating and capturing the former form of the facade, but using what feels like an ephemeral material to evoke a ghostly imagery; something that is there but does not feel quite present. The classical, Victorian facade with detailed sandstone carvings stands strong and solid in contrast to the new additions of wire

Sculpted wire mesh Signboard that reads ‘Churchills’

mesh in a contemporary and lightweight material, portrayed to be translucent to provoke the absence of once a proud and magnificent building.

Walking platform made up from steel structures

NORI Bricks structures stitched with exposed walls of existing ruin

Computer Generated Imagery showing contrasting materials between a solid stone ruin with lightweight, “translucent” wire mesh on top, communicating the idea of permanence and ephemeral.

Existing ruin on site

Greeneries and landscaping to address lack of parks and quality outdoor spaces in Accrington

Proposed temporary intervention

Exploded diagram showing the demountable parts of the intervention

Interactions with the additions to the ruin with sculpted wire mesh, NORI Bricks structures, greeneries and landscapes.

PART A

A Manifesto.

Recap of Studio 1 and 2

The Future of High Street

Doing stuffs, rather than buying stuffs.

Immersive physical experience.

Reflect 21st century consumption culture.

Engagement of city council + local community.

59.74%

voted for retail

In Studio 2, our research delved into the concept of ‘exchange’. The former industrial town is now predominantly characterised by retail buildings but slowly becoming a ghost town due to tragedies and vacancies from the impacts of Covid-19 and online shopping. Yet a survey conducted by the Hyndburn council found that almost 60% out of 380 respondents voted for “shopping/ retail outlets” as the most important facility/ theme to them when thinking about the future of Accrington Town Centre. We embrace this consensus and introduced an alternative approach to the exchange

Community-led, rather than commercial-led.

Balance between order & chaos.

Self sufficient, rather than segregated zoning.

Flexible and adaptable, rather than rigid.

culture to be more than just consuming but as spaces to meet and empower the community. Instead of browsing items, they can ‘window-shop’ skills they wanted to learn in this new space. Following observations and criticisms of the existing retail use in cc in ton

o ose

ni esto to e e ne n stee t e

o t e

future of Accrington Town Centre, which will be developed and translated in urban and architectural terms.

Retail Typology

PART A Recap of Studio 1 and 2

We studied spatial arrangements of existing Accrington and studied the buildings to inform the design in the vacant

retail buildings in Accrington to recognise their

site near the ruin (labelled 4).

features, problems and best practices.

Chain stores

1 1

Shop-street frontage

Wilko

Bla

ckb

urn

Roa d

Galleries with skylight

Ruin Arcade

Vacant land/ Ruin

Shop-street frontage

Galleries with skylight

Chain stores

Sum of the parts

PART A Recap of Studio 1 and 2

Of Streets, Squares and Monuments

BLACKBURN ROAD Retail WILKO Retail TOWN HALL Civic

TESCO Retail

BAPTIST CHURCH Civic CONSERVATIVE CLUB Civic & Retail

ST JAMES CHURCH Civic

Source: Krier, L. (2009) Drawing for Architecture. MIT Press.

ARCADE Retail In the pursuit of the ‘true city’ as Leon Krier suggested, Accrington needs a balance in between monuments, streets and squares. The exploded illustration applied Krier’s theory and contextualised it into Accrington’s personal urban grids. The illustration implies how the site of former Conservative Club interacts and complements with its neighbouring buildings in terms of functionality (retail and civic spaces) and monumentality (the defining character of a square or street), thus blurring the boundary between community, culture and commerce.

Theory and Precedent Part B presents one theory and one key precedent. The theory of classical paintings such as their composition will be studied to apply on our picture-making productions later on. A key precedent is highlighted in this chapter to give a background concept on contemporary approaches to ruin.

Theory of classical paintings

PART B Theory and Precedent

Studies and observations on the art of perspectives, lightings and eye movements in conveying a strong narrative and emotion. In this analysis we ask: How can the principles of classical paintings be applied to visualisations in Studio 3 to create convincing and impactful imageries/ picture-making?

Pinturicchio was an Italian painter during the Renaissance. Similarly, his paintings sought similar techniques but arranged in a portrait mode with human activities on the lower one-third proportion of the paintings. We envision the programme modules in Conservation Club to do the same by providing devices to enhance views of existing artefacts around Accrington.

Raphael’s School of Athens (c. 1508–11). Symmetrical framing and perspective, revealing rich layers of distance and focus,

symmetry, framing and rule of third. The paintings analysis helps us to understand how the eyes observe

foreground and background, with human activities on the lower

things while simultaneously thinking how to use architectural elements to reveal, obscure or highlight spaces. (Final uncropped image can be found at later pages).

and wander around the image to feast on the details. Rule of third

Framing

Perspective- symmetry

Precedent Analysis

PART B Theory and Precedent

Contemporary approaches to ruin The text and redrawn diagrams below are extracted from architect Michael Davies’s essay on New Life for Old Ruins (2019). He explained three approaches towards a ruin and their considerations to take into account. This information helps us to make an informed decision to intervene contentious listed ruin at Accrington’s

Dovecote Studio // Haworth Tompkins

Conservative Club.

Building inside the ruin

Preferred option for Conservative Club

This method tends to express the ruin most fully

This option works best to preserve and express the listed ruin by putting it as the outermost skin. This approach also creates

new addition

weather-tight seal between old and new (Davies,

opportunity to play with depths and layers. The technical

2019).

challenges can be resolved by studying Dovecote Studio by Haworth Tompkins as building precedent.

ruin

new addition

Building on the ruin

May be possible for Conservative Club

The ruin can be seen from both sides, but the

The ambition to use wire mesh as facade means that the mesh

interface between old and new often means that

must be supported by steel frames at the back of the existing

the ‘ragged edge’ of the ruin may be lost, as is

ruin, instead of on top of the ruin. Plus, we want the intervention

the case with Norwich Cathedral’s new refectory

to be demountable and only lightly touches the listed ruin.

building (Davies, 2019).

ruin

new addition

ruin

Building over the ruin

Not possible for Conservative Club

This provides the simplest and least destructive

This option is not feasible to Conservative Club because of the

solution. The ruin is enclosed inside a museum-

neighbouring buildings on site. The club shares a party wall with

like building. However, the ruin is now separated

its an adjacent building so it is not possible to offset the ruin’s

from its context (Davies, 2019).

perimeter outwards.

Technical Resolutions different archetypes- the facade, the roof, the stairs and the

different uses, seasons and scenarios.

PART C Technical Resolutions

Development Models

PART C Technical Resolutions

Iteration 1 The starting point is taken from feedbacks received in Studio 2. The roof form is problematic and the facades seem to be unresolved like a collage rather than a holistic single building which materials blends in harmony.

Iteration 2 We take a bold approach by

to introduce a viewing platform. It

mimics and responds to the Baptist’s Church tower across the street. Instead of having a full wire mesh front facade that partially blocks view, this new volume allows for a full glazing for uninterrupted and more emphasised viewing experience.

Iteration 3 Similarly for the stairs core, we introduced a vertical tower that mimics the church, perpendicular to the front facade. In plan, this creates a somewhat similar floor plan that resembles a cross, just like the church. The strong space division between front-stairs core-back helps to create a clear structural grid while expressing different kind of aesthetics and internal micro-climate with 3 different roof systems.

Iteration 4 Lastly, we decide which parts of the ruin to be carefully preserved and which parts of the facade to be clearly expressed as new interventions. The contrast between old and new facade is narrated through different materials: old sandstone and new white terracotta, similar to David Chipperfield’s intervention to Neues Museum in Berlin. Both materials are abundant and local to Accrington.

Facade Explorations

PART C Technical Resolutions

In these quick sketches, we explore and ask how the Conservative Club would be dressed

Flores & Prats Yute’s. What we like about this approach is how the materials wrapped

Rafael Moneo National Museum of Roman Art. This composition becomes the starting point

if it was hypothetically designed by Flores & Prats, Lacaton & Vassal, Palladio, Rafael

around the building and extend from facade to the roof. Furthermore, the building uses

to introduce a tower-like structure for the stairs core. The opening spans across levels and

Moneo, the original architect, and the mixture of them, clashing classical approaches with

contemporary materials and construction methods as an extension to collage with the old,

will be bigger compared to the other adjacent ones.

contemporary ones. While doing so, we take note of the relationships between facade and

existing textile warehouse.

openings with spaces inside of the west elevation by overlaying texts labelled as workshops, stairs, rooftop garden, etc.

Facade Explorations

PART C Technical Resolutions

Lacaton & Vassal FRAC Dunkerque. We choose this precedent due to architect’s intention

Andrea Palladio Ragione Palace. This is an exercise to imagine if there is no hierarchy to the

Conservative Club. Interestingly, our positioning of the stairs core

to recreate the same geometrical shape with the old, adjacent twin building, but using

west elevation, similar to Palladio’s approach on symmetry, harmony, repetition and strict

coincides with the former design of Conservative Club. The language between front and

contemporary materials. Plus, the extensive use of translucent materials is something we

proportion.

back volumes also differ greatly here- front is grand, whereas rear is modest with several

hope to employ to create a ghostly image.

small extensions later on. The former club appear to be a rectangular building footprint slotted in an exquisite and highly decorated facade envelope at the front.

Facade Explorations

PART C Technical Resolutions

To recreate a ghostly appearance of the former Conservative Club, four different materials are short-listed. They all offer translucency but posses different constraints and opportunities.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

External cladding: Polycarbonate / ETFE cushions

External cladding: Wire mesh panels

External cladding: Sculptued wire mesh

External cladding: Glass block

Precedent: Lacaton & Vassal // FRAC Dunkerque

Precedent: Fieldwork // Nth Fitzroy by Milieu

Precedents: Eduardo Tresholdi // Marcelo’s Burlon’s Fashion Show

Precedents: Dumas + Horacio // Apartment complex in Mexico City’s upscale Polanco neighbourhood

Not chosen for front facade due to material contraints

Not chosen because of rigid straight angles, however

Chosen to recreate the highly ornate Queen Anne details on the

Not chosen because of rigidity and heaviness of glass blocks.

but can be used as roof systems.

assembly details using this material is referred.

former Conservative Club while retaining the transluscent quality

Comparably more difficult to disassemble. Not very suitable to

for ‘ghostly’ picture-making. However the challenge will be to

put on top of load-bearing listed building facade.

convert this art piece into a sound architectural material assembly.

Roof Explorations

PART C Technical Resolutions

Form and geometry

Option 1

Option 3

Option 2

Option 4

flat, glazed roof to emphasise circulation axis (removed as the roof is further developed and simplified)

introduction of window puncture on mesh facade NN

exposed roof terrace

Glazed arched roofing on atrium to ensure airtightness

solid roof to emphasise threshold between inside-outside

exposed roof terrace

glazed, pitched roof covering the atrium area

translucent, glazed roof

central pitched form that aligns with its northern counterpart

translucent, glazed roof

S2 roof form initial proposal In Studio 2, we wanted to create series of layers by making the roof to appear staggering in height, creating elevation profiles for our building, while recreating former volume and form of the old Conservative Club. At its initial phase, while the intended visual is achieved, our composition seems to be problematic. As an archetype, the roof is not simply a ‘cap’ that covers the building, but it is an element that helps achieve intended aesthetic and interior atmosphere, whilst also being one of the building’s ‘face’. Moving forward, the roof form and system is further refined to express the design narrative better as well as reflecting the overall system of the building.

glazed puncture flat, glazed roof emphasising the circulation axis This option is a more radical approach of proposing the uppermost floor to be mostly exposed as an outdoor space

full-height glazed puncture through the west facade to emphasise stair core

glazed puncture breaks the facade’s horizontality

Following explorations and multiple iterations, this form is chosen to have best represent and emphasise the different segments of the building. Its simple pitched form simplify the narrative of the building while giving nods to the former Conservative Club’s roof, the aesthetic of other important artefacts of the town as well as sympathetic towards the existing roof geometry of neighbouring context, in particular the gothic-style Baptist Church.

introduction of openings that frames the view to the street interplay of geometry that emphasises different spaces of the building

Roof Explorations

PART C Technical Resolutions

Development and Sefaira Analysis

Option 3 Sefaira Analysis As part of the iteration, we have run through sefaira analysis to identify potential environmental comfort issues and to better inform our proposed material options. While trying to achieve intended visuals and atmosphere, we have also referred to the RIBA sustainability guide on their recommendation for fabric first approach on regulating the building’s internal climate to ensure its long term sustainability. Summarised are the result of the analysis in regards to light penetration into the building.

flat, glazed roof to emphasise circulation axis (removed as the roof is further developed and simplified)

solid roof to emphasise threshold between inside-outside

CONSIDERATION

Understandably the roof terrace is mostly overlit, given its position facing the south

Introduction of brise soleil element is required to reduce overheating and glare at the area. Although it is intended to be an outdoor space, the area needs to be comfortable enough to allow building users to enjoy the space. However, it is also important to retain as much transparency to achieve optimum garden atmosphere.

The area around the atrium and stair core is well-lit, apart from the area where there is immediate openings

Despite the favourable result, further material consideration apart from glass roof is required to achieve level of translucency intended while ensuring heat retention and circulation for comfortable interior all year round.

translucent, glazed roof

The Atrium the roof will be translucent to achieve a continuous language with the proposed sculpted mesh facade

translucent, glazed roof

glazed puncture glazed puncture breaks the facade’s horizontality

OBSERVATION

Glazed puncture an opportunity to create an interplay between existing solid sandstone ruin, translucent wire mesh and transparent glazing for layered views to the street. The puncture also denotes structural stability within the absences of the mesh

Stair Core Solid statement that becomes a threshold between the two segments of the building. It emphasises the transition between internal and external building climate Roof Terrace an outdoor space with open air environment. The roof is fully glazed similar to a greenhouse typology for optimum plant rearing environment.

Archetypes

PART C Technical Resolutions

Form, volume and elements

Neighbouring office buildings

Solid, warm pitched roof system on stair core indicate structure, a threshold and transition between internal and external building climate. Its solidity, with glazed puncture on the East and West enhance the poetic capture of sunrise and sundown.

Translucent pitched roof using ETFE film at roof terrace, similar to a greenhouse allows the space to maximise southern light, as well as creating an outdoor building environment, a different experience compared to the northern half of the Retail & building.

2 Pitched roof form recreating volume of former Conservative Club using ETFE cushion with differing transparency for view and shading through atrium space and creating shadows. Operable windows to assist with ventilation during summer

Outdoor (exposed to sun, shaded from rain)

Indoor (exposed to sun, shaded from rain)

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Programme modules made with prefabricated, structural insulated wall panels (SIP) for easy customisation, assembly and disassembly as required

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e tre

Outdoor (shaded from sun and rain)

5 1 Introduction of glazed puncture through wire mesh facade establish relationship and encounter and exchange between atrium space and building interior with passersby on Cannon Street Ghostly reincarnation using sculpted wire mesh

nt me

l eve

Existing Grade-II listed facade

Arched bracing on roof gives nod to the common aesthetic of most of Accrington’s important building such as the Market Hall and the Arcade. Other than providing support, the arched form subtly shapes the ceiling, hence the overall atmosphere of the uppermost floor.

Indoor (shaded from sun and rain)

4 climates within the building offering different atmosphere and experience

Volumetric explorations Apart from taking inspiration from the essence of the streets and the town, the building form is further developed from our S2 proposal in accordance to the intended building climates. Structure and materials are carefully chosen to achieve this as well as to ensure seasonal comfort of the internal building environments.

Key Section

PART C Technical Resolutions

The Roof

Detail 2

Detail 3

The Roof Detail 1

The Facade

The Module ( +1.050 )

PARADISE STREET

Floor system Posi joist

Existing ruin Sculpted wire mesh facade

CA NNON STREET

Detailed Section A-A Scale 1:50 on A0 0

The Facade

PART C Technical Resolutions

Unitised glass wall

2 1

Sculpted wire mesh facade

Existing ruin

Scale 1:200 on A3

‘Phantom’ of the Club

3 4

Forming the base of our thesis beginning from Studio 1, the overall height of the previously destroyed facade is reincarnated, while engaging with existing listed structure on site, an incorporation strategy when intervening with traumatic ruins as highlighted by Sulfaro (2014). Taking precedents from the works of Edoardo Tresoldi, wire mesh is sculpted to recreate the ‘ghost’ of the facade to form an existence that seems apparent to sense but with no substantialty. This reincarnation of the absence stands majestically on Cannon Street as a reminder, an object lesson and a beacon of past glorified magnificence. We have sensitively taken care to ensure minimal works on the existing listed facade. Taking precedent from the design of Dovecote Studio, a new facade structure is inserted within the ruin perimeter to support the sculpted wire mesh facade proposed. This ensures the listed ruin remained untouched to preserve its memory and historical form. Unitised glass curtain wall is installed behind the sculpted wire mesh facade to ensure building airtightness, as well as to retain transparency for viewing out.

1 2 3 4 8

5 6 7 8 1

Sculpted wire mesh Unitised glass curtain wall (triple-glazed) Removable steel mesh leaf guard 150mm gap between existing ruin and glass wall Steel structure to support metal frame Metal grating Perimeter gutter with EPDM lining Concrete threshold

Indoor food module

2 Programme module

Scale 1:10 on A3

Scale 1:50 on A3

The Facade Edoardo Tresoldi (sculpted wire mesh) Famously known as the Artist of the absent matter, we have based our facade’ s construction on Eduardo’s methodology of sculpting wire mesh to form the ornate details of the reincarnated Queen Anne style Conservative Club facade. Similar to his crafts, we have chosen wire mesh due to its malleability to be shaped into various details as required, apart from using the mesh’s translucency to create a ghostly image of the absences. His artworks and installations prove the feasibility of our intention to create a statement from the once neglected listed ruin.

PART C Technical Resolutions

The Roof

PART C Technical Resolutions

Detail 1

The Atrium

Interplay of solids and voids breaks the horizontality between floor levels, connecting spaces through the height of the building visually and acoustically. The large atrium space mediates the interior chaos of spaces between existing solid sandstone ruin, proposed mesh facade, circulations as well as series of programme modules.

ETFE cushion roof with operable windows and fritting to control light transmission and solar gain, reducing glare and overheating

Arched steel bracing

By reinstating the former volume of the club, this part of the building wears a pitched roof form. Referring to the FRAC Dunkerque restoration, we have opted ETFE cushion for roofing material. Similarly, we wanted the area to be translucent to allow for just enough light penetration as well as to enhance the intended effect of transparency next to the solid stair core segment.

We have initially considered glass, however following further research and explorations, ETFE membrane is chosen as a better option: Extremely thin membrane, <0.20mm

Better insulating properties using air pockets

Durable, great lifespan of at least 30 years

Low maintenance, with excellent weathering properties

FRAC Dunkerque/ Lacaton & Vassal interior showing ETFE cushion roofing

Translucent, 90-95% of light transmission, similar to glass but with only 1% of its weight

3 4

Recyclable

Scale 1:50 on A3

1 2 3 4 5

Operable window for natural ventilation ETFE cushion unit Air inflation unit (distribute air to ETFE cushion to maintain constant pressure, as well as retaining its structural stability and insulation) Aluminium clamping strip Steel roof structure

Full-height atrium space, between facade and interior spaces that spans from ground to 3rd floor

Washroom with accessible WC

2 Accessible lifts

5 Scale 1:100 on A3

Outdoor food venue and entertainment

Indoor food module

5 Programme modules

PART C Technical Resolutions

Operable ETFE membrane roof is opted following the RIBA’s sustainability guide for fabric first approach and options for responsive local control, due to its excellent thermal performance, while achieving intended translucency. This assists in reducing the building’s operational carbon, with less dependency on mechanical aids.

Arched steel bracing as roof support Employment of posi joists as part of the flooring system. The open web steel design creates services void that allows for ‘clean’ and easier installation of services and pipework

ETFE cushions with fritting patterns

View out through layers of walls: Prefabricated SIPs Glazings Mesh facade

Existing ruin

Planter boxes that doubles as half wall for fall prevention

Scale 1:50 on A3 0

The Roof

PART C Technical Resolutions

Detail 2

1 2 3 4

Slate roof

5 6 7 8 9 10

Timber rafters

11 12 13 14

Roof slate Counter battens Ventilation zone to roof Mineral wool insulation fitted between rafters Breather membrane Services void Gutter Cavity closer I-Beam Rigid insulation Plasterboard with skim and paint finish NORI Brick Wall tie Cement render

2 3 4 5

6 7 8

Indoor food module

2 Access to roof terrace 3

Staircase

Programme modules

5 Planter box (doubles as half wall at 1100mm height for fall prevention as per the Building Regulation) 1

2 5

The Threshold 12 Being the core as well as the threshold between the building’s designated climate, the slice of space here is intended to convey solidness, hence our decision to employ a warm roof construction. Covered entirely with slates tiling, with its pitched formation, this segment of the building delivers clean, contemporary interior visual while being sympathetic to traditional Victorian roof aesthetics the Conservative Club once wore as well as the neighbouring Baptist Church and buildings.

3 4

Full-glazed windows on opposing sides enhance the poetic narrative intended, whereby the stair core area captures and emphasises the first and last light of the day.

Scale 1:50 on A3

Scale 1:20 on A3

The Roof

PART C Technical Resolutions

Detail 3

Operable louvers as brise soleil

ETFE film roof

1 2 3 4 5 6

Arched steel bracing

Scale 1:100 on A3

The Outdoor Terrace 1

Glazed puncture with decorative screen that doubles as sun shade

Taking advantage of its ideal position facing the south, the space is optimised as an outdoor roof terrace with garden. Similar to the roof at the atrium, ETFE is employed to achieve intended transparency. However, being outdoor, instead of ETFE cushion, we have opted for ETFE foil, a single layer membrane type, as insulation is not necessarily required in this area. Similar to a greenhouse canopy, its excellent light transmission properties makes it ideal for garden and plant rearing. The roof is equipped with unitised operable louvers to manipulate solar gain on any hot, sunny days as required.

Roof terrace with garden and seating

2 Programme modules 3

Entrance to the indoor segment of the building

Scale 1:20 on A3

Support track Louvers Louver linkage Actuator ETFE film with cable support Steel roof structure

PART C Technical Resolutions

Unitised operable louvers The louvers act as brise soleil at the roof terrace, deflecting sunlight as the louvers’ angle are adjusted accordingly. Considering the space position facing the south, while it is desirable to maximise light penetration, the louvers are essential to prevent excessive glare and heat gain. When required, the louvers can be adjusted to be fully opened or closed to achieve optimum environment.

light and heat deflected

Floor System Posi Joist

Scale 1:10 on A3

Posi joist is opted in line with our DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) agenda to employ as much prefabricated components for easy assembly and disassembly (refer S2 design principles). The open web steel design that features open diagonals allows for services and pipeworks to flow and installed easier. Its modular nature allows for lightweight construction, increasing time and cost efficiency.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Floor chipboard Rigid insulation Sound mat Gypsum board Floor underlay Wood parquet (floor finish) Gypsum fireboard Posi joist Services void

PART C Technical Resolutions

Arched steel bracing as roof support

ETFE film roof with operable louvers

Folding doors that can be fully opened for an expandable outdoor space during warmer season

Full-height operable window assists with air circulation. Equipped with balustrade for fall prevention, while allowing uninterrupted view out Scale 1:50 on A3 0

Flexible programme modules able to accommodate various activity types as required

Top Floor Garden he top floor garden acts as an outdoor space but shaded by

film

with louvres to control sun glare, heat and emissivity. The steel frame arches become a hanging or attaching device for installations.

Squirrel Point of View he additions of garden spaces, plants, trees, flowers and greeneries will hopefully attract insects, birds and squirrels back to this ‘acorn town’.

The Module

PART C Technical Resolutions

Permanent & Temporary

increase flexibility

B GF

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

F1 F2 F3

Programme modules Permanent components Temporary components

Operable internal wall panels While its surrounding walls are fixed, flexible internal wall allows for module expansion. This can be achieved either through employment of folding doors or demountable wall panels.

Demountable half wall panels Mounted on top of permanent half walls, this option readily convert rooms into terraces when they are not required.

Prefabricated wall panels The walls are completely flexible for reconfiguration, assembly and disassembly as required.

While all three options allow for mass customisation, we have chosen to pursue with Option 1 and 3. Instead of opting for half wall as in Option 2, prefabrication and installation of a full-height unit of wall panel simplifies the assembly process and technical resolution. By allowing the whole wall panels to be fully disassembled as required, we are creating opportunities for expandable modules unit for larger crowds. Employment of prefabricated wall panels also means that the building is flexible for future change of use without requiring major modifications.

The Module

PART C Technical Resolutions

Mechanical connection system

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Metal Plate, Screw & Bolts

Snap & Lock Mechanism

Interlocking Joinery

Scoring Guide Ease of Assembly

Bracket and locking screw are pre-installed on opposite sides of the prefab panels

Skills required

Structural integrity

Easy

D.I.Y

Weak

Medium

Mediocre

Medium

Hard

Professional

Sturdy

15mm deep recess Metal bracket

Screws Locking screw Image credit: MDPI

•

Image credit: ArchDaily

Ease of assembly

Skills required

Structural integrity

Connections are exposed

• • •

Easy to assemble/ disassemble connection Seamless connection between panels Consideration for D-I-Y, no need for additional screws or further drilling that requires professional service

• •

Seamless connection between panels Double sturdiness from interlocking components as well as screw connections

As well as the type of panels opted, connection types are an important determinant to assess feasibility and complexity of intended wall assembly proposal. Mechanical or dry connection system are best for low skilled labour, as opposed to wet, chemical connections. Each of the three options are rated according to the listed aspects. Upon analysis, Option 2 and 3 are chosen for further consideration. Despite Option 1 rating best for the ease of assembly, the connections between panels are exposed, thus potentially disrupting the overall visual and aesthetic of the programme modules. Option 2 and 3 on the other hand, results in seamless connection between panels and possibly are complementary to one another for a sturdy wall connection.

The Module

PART C Technical Resolutions

1 unit module

Ceiling of floor above 6m 1

Prefabricated wall panel fitted with operable window

Slender column visually ‘hidden’ behind the wall, to achieve clean, sleek aesthetic as viewed from outside the module

6m 3m

1 2

Steel bracket Structural insulated panel (insulation foam core in between OSB boards as base for desired wall finish) Posi joist flooring system

The Prefabricated

Scale 1:20 on A3

One of the essence of the building as a space of exchanges is achieved through the 11 programme modules on the 1st and 2nd floor, with the 3rd floor’s module being mainly adapted as an indoor food venue. The module is sized following our building’s 3x3m grids, that adheres to the UK Government Workplace Design Guide and the HSE for optimum working environment and are flexible enough to accommodate for various activities type as exemplified. Following our initial exploration on wall panel configuration and connection options, we have opted for SIP panel system due to its properties of being load-bearing and great thermal performance to ensure airtightness of each individual modules, allowing flexibility in spaces configuration.

Wall panel fitted with door

2 Wall panel fitted with glazing 3

150x150mm column

Operable full-height window with built-in balustrade

PART C

Programme scenario

Technical Resolutions

Expansion scenario

demountable wall panels for module expansion

Washing Tools

Drying

Plantation pod attachment option

Art Workshop

Co-Works

Kiln Pottery wheels

Structurally independent wall panels and their connection system allow for slender 150x150mm column, hidden behind wall panels, for a clean, sleek visual as viewed from outside the module 1

Wall panel fitted with glazing

2 Wall panel fitted with door 3

Pottery Workshop Scale 1:50 on A3

Cooking Workshop

Solid wall panel

Wall panel fitted with operable window

Wall panels slotted in by interlocking joinery and snap & lock mechanism

Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA) The programme modules are designed with DFMA approach in mind. We also wanted to challenge the stereotype of prefabrication being boring or rigid by providing several configuration options for wall panels, that allow building users to customise each module according to their needs. While the modules are sized according to the building grids, the possibilities are limitless as rooms can be sized up or down by adding or removing structurally independent prefabricated wall panels as required. In line with the RIBA sustainable outcomes, this ensures adaptability and sustainability in the long run, as current building use and activity trends changes and becomes irrelevant with time, while protecting the Conservative Club from yet another series of neglect.

Modules Floor Plan Scale 1:100 on A3 0

Final Drawings Part D presents general architect’s drawings including site plan, floor plans, sections, elevations, isometric drawings, exploded drawings and many more. They are curated to be more than ust drawings, but to tell stories, convey possible interactions between floor levels, express the spatial ualities inside the building and its relationship across the street, and how the position and function complement to Accrington s existing urban fabric.

Phantom of the Club The ‘ghost’ of the former Conservative Club reclaming its historical grandeur as one approaches Cannon Street

xtending the life of a ruin The collage puts a vintage postcard of old Cannon Street circa 1925 next to the new imagined intervention to the Conservative Club. The hand reaching out to shadow represents how adaptive reuse can prolong the life of once a valuable and worth-remembering piece of contentious building heritage.

View from ‘ghost eye perspective’ Conservative Club at night during winter. The lit facade becomes a safety feature to a formerly abandoned ruin.

iew from another Accy s monument Conservative Club as seen from Baptist Church across the street. The church’s arched entrance is used as a framing device following composition lessons from photography techniques and classical Renaissance paintings.

Site plan

PART D

T he A

I - Site location

II - The Acorn Trail

The site plan indicates the strategic positioning of Conservative Club.

The map on the right is a rebranded Acorn Trail that merges Accrington’s

Previously in Studio 1, we chose Black Abbey Street and Conservative Club

listed artefacts and exchange network. The new proposals in Black Abbey

due to the similar circumstances they experienced. Both were Grade II

and Conservative Club will help to catalyse an urban connection that ties

listed building that were vacated, neglected and attacked by arson. We hope to rejuvenate the important sites as they are situated within Accrington Conservation Area and become parts of Accrington’s Acorn Trail.

Accrington Arndale

character of a square or street).

Town Hall (1858)

Carnegie Public Library (1908) Market Hall (1868)

Baptist Church (1874)

21 Canon Street (1860)

Market Hall (1868)

1-3 and 7-9 Black Abbey Street (1191 and 1839)

Blackburn Road

Former Cash Clothing Company

Former Liberal Club

Conservative Club (1891) St James’ Church (1772)

& Town Hall (1858)

& 20 Canon Street (1867)

corn Trail

Bus station

interacts and complements with its neighbouring buildings in terms of

Final Drawings

20 Canon Street (1867)

Former office of Charles ‘Torney’ Hall, of Gothic House

Baptist Church (1874)

Carnegie Public Library (1908)

21 Canon Street (1860)

Gothic House

Conservative Club (1891)

St James’ Church (1772)

Black Horse Hotel

Arcade (1896)

Warner Street

Abbey Street

Warner Arms (1830)

Former Red Lion Hotel

1-3 and 7-9 Black Abbey Street (1191 and 1839)

Existing acorn trail (culture & heritage)

Proposed exchange network (retail & community)

Scale 1:2000 @A3

Site Section

PART D Final Drawings

Situated on higher ground level, the Conservative Club provides an opportunity as a viewing platform over Accrington conservation area. From the viewing deck on the top f loor, visitors can observe the rooftops and skyline of Accrington monuments, as well as the hillsides surrounding the small town.

Image source: Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area Management Plan

Town Hall

Bird eye perspective from Studio 2

Market Hall

Carnegie Library

Baptist Church

Conservative Club

Charity house

Viewing Platform Situated on a higher ground level and near listed buildings, the new intervention in Conservative Club provides a viewing platform for locals to appreciate the townscape and protect their rich heritage.

Liberal Club

(1885)

LLO

A New Retail & Typology

STR

PART D

EET

Final Drawings Retail Typology 1

Shop-street Frontage (the High Street)

Mechanics Institution

Community . Cultural . Commercial

19 Cannon Street Grade II listed

Carnegie Library

(former Manchester & Liverpool Bank)

Shop-street Frontage

Grade II listed

(the High Street)

(1878, former)

Grade II listed (1907)

Baptist Church

Retail Typology 3

Grade II listed

Tesco Extra

Nur s

ery

21 Cannon Street

Offi

ces

STR

Gothic House

EET

EA G LE ST RE ET

Grade II listed

. JA ME S S TR EE T

(1874)

(the ‘Big Box’)

(leg Offic es al & fina ncia

Skate park

St. James Church

Grade II listed

40m

STR

CH UR

m Ce mu nt nit re y

Sh o

en tia l

Offi ces Co

Re sid

Roof Plan Scale 1:500 on A3

.J AM

(le

The Cannon Street Quarter

ga Offi l & ce fin s an cia l

)

PA RA DIS E ST RE ET

EET

(1546)

STR

EET

to B lack bu r

PART D Final Drawings Retail Typology 1

Shop-street Frontage (the High Street)

to M ark et S qua to M re ark et H all

to B lac kbu rn to T Roa d ow nH all

LLO

nR oad

Shop-street Frontage (the High Street)

Retail Typology 3

Tesco Extra

. JA ME S S TR EE T

(the ‘Big Box’)

Nur s

ery

ces

STR

EET

EA G LE ST RE ET

Offi

(leg Offic es al & fina ncia

Skate park

to Warner Street

40m

EET

STR

CH UR

m Ce mu nt nit re y

Sh o

en tia l

Offi ces

to Arcade

Re sid

Ground Floor Plan Scale 1:500 on A3

.J AM

(le

The Cannon Street Quarter

ga Offi l & ce fin s an cia l

)

PA RA DIS E ST RE ET

PART D Final Drawings

Existing ruin

North-West Isometry Not to scale

PART D Final Drawings

Existing ruin

South-West Isometry Not to scale

PART D

Exploded Diagram

Final Drawings

ETFE cushion

The exploded diagram concisely shows the clear organisation of load-

roof slates

bearing walls at the building envelope and services core, and frame structures to allow for spatial flexibility internally, building modifications and diassembly at the end of its life span.

white terracotta clad on load-bearing structure stairs core

ETFE film with operable louvres

services core

wire mesh clad on steel backing and frames Unitised curtain wall

prefabricated modules

white terracotta clad on steel frame structures timber and steel frame structures

existing load-bearing walls with NORI bricks structure and sandstone cladding

foundations Existing ruin

South-West Exploded Not to scale

PART D A

Final Drawings

views an

initial sketch of the section

d interac

tions

See-through market and exhibition spaces at basement through window openings of the ruin Cutting through the building’s long section to show the relationship between inside and outside, front and back access to the street level, circulation core, spatial qualities overlooking

Sectional Perspective AA

voids across levels and amongst workshop modules, and layered views and vistas towards the

Not to scale

cool air) can be released through voids, atriums and openings.

church. Cross ventilation annotations are included to indicate how warm air (less dense than

PART D B

Final Drawings

cross ventilation

views an

d interac

tions

cross ventilation

access to the street

access to the street See-through market and exhibition spaces at basement through window openings of the ruin

Cutting through the building’s long section to show the relationship between inside and outside, front and back access to the street level, circulation core, spatial qualities overlooking voids across levels

Sectional Perspective BB

and amongst workshop modules, and layered views and vistas towards the church. Cross ventilation

Not to scale

voids, atriums and openings.

annotations are included to indicate how warm air (less dense than cool air) can be released through

PART D Final Drawings

cross ventilation

cross ventilation cross ventilation

views and interactions

cross ventilation

access to the street

Cutting through the building’s short section to show the relationship between inside and outside, east and west openings, circulation core, spatial qualities overlooking voids across levels and amongst workshop

Sectional Perspective DD Not to scale

modules, and the church tower backdrop. The puncturing of solid walls through several levels follows Louis Kahn’s Exeter Library as building precedent.

Initial sketch on how stairs can be a vital circulation wrapped around modules to create overlooking spaces to browse items or activities.

Overlooking workshop spaces The placement of voids in between prefabricated modules help to create a dynamic workshop spaces where people can exchange conversations and ‘window-shop’ skills offered here.

Rooms within a room Development models imagined to be displayed in one of the programme modules within the building.

PART D Final Drawings

Steel frame arches subtly following the same craft and language with cast iron roof structures at the Victorian Arcade and Market Hall

Existing facade

Translucent wire mesh to reinstate the former

marked in gold

volume of the proud Conservative Club, also as an object lesson on neglect, vandalism and

See-through

arson attack towards heritage buildings

workshop spaces

Neighbouring office buildings

21 Cannon Street

mostly 2-3 storeys high

(Grade II listed)

Wheelchair ramp access

CANNON STR EET

See-through market and exhibition spaces at basement through window openings of the ruin

North Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

PART D Final Drawings

Gothic House

Baptist Church

Conservative Club

(Grade II listed)

Private day nursery

The Old Liverpool and Manchester Bank

and pre-school

20 Cannon Street (Grade II listed)

CANNON STR EET

North Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

Front Facade The wire mesh is a versatile material in a way that it provokes a poignant reminder to a previously uncelebrated, vandalised and neglected listed building. Apart from the strong poetic reason, it also functions as sun shading to a largely glazed facade and becomes light installations at night, aiding with passive surveillance to improve safety. The translucent quality allows interaction between inside and outside of the building.

Load-bearing,

Sandstone cladding with

Sculpted wire mesh bolted and

existing ruin

steel frame structure

anchored with steel frames

Facade Close Up Close-up facade during the day, merging an old, solid stone ruin with a new, lightweight and demountable wire mesh addition on top.

PART D Final Drawings

Attention is given to the rear facade as a gateway to improvise view from roundabout and avoid antisocial behaviour through passive surveillance

20 Cannon Street

21 Cannon Street

(Grade II listed)

Rooftop garden on southern side to

Baptist Church

Accrington Library

maximise sunlight and heat intake

(Grade II listed)

Opening up the site to connect

ETFE roof film with

Cannon Street with Paradise Street

Neighbouring office buildings

steel frame arches

mostly 2-3 storeys high

PAR ADISE STR E E T

South Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

PART D Final Drawings

ACCRINGTON’S ‘PURE FORMS’

perfect circle

pitched roof

vertical towers

Conservative Club

Baptist Church

Accrington Library

(Grade II listed)

arched openings

Private day nursery

Gothic House

and pre-school

The Old Liverpool and Manchester Bank 20 Cannon Street (Grade II listed)

PAR ADISE STR E E T

South Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

ETFE roof film with steel frame arches

Composite timber

Load-bearing,

and steel column

existing ruin

Copper

White terracotta cladding

engravings

on steel frame structures

Prefabricated timber modules

New skyline against older ones The proposal seeks to respond sensitively to Accrington Conservation Area by following the language of pitch roofs, vertical towers, steel frames naves, arched windows and honey coloured stones.

Approach from roundabout near Paradise Street View of the rear entrance to Conservative Club as seen from a driver’s point of view. The rear is designed as one of the gateways to invite and attract visitiors to the monumental building.

PART D Final Drawings

Viewing platform towards Accrington landscape,

Rooftop garden on southern side to

Baptist Church and surrounding listed buildings

maximise sunlight and heat intake

Ramp access for wheelchair

Rear entrance on ground level

Charity

and stroller users

(second wheelchair access)

house

Baptist Church (Grade II listed)

Neighbouring office buildings mostly 2-3 storey high

CANNON STR EET

PA RADI S E S TREET

Opening up the site to connect Cannon Street with Paradise Street

West Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

PART D Final Drawings

21 Cannon Street (Grade II listed) Baptist Church

The Old Liverpool and Manchester Bank

(Grade II listed)

20 Cannon Street (Grade II listed)

PA RADI S E S TREET

CANNON STR EET

West Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

ETFE cushion

ETFE roof film with

Composite timber and

operable shutters

steel column

Sculpted wire mesh

A Symphony of Geometries Arrangement and composition of geometrical forms with vertical towers, arched openings, pitched roofs, symmetry and repetition.

Prefabricated

White

timber modules

terracotta

PART D The stairs core glows like a lantern at

Final Drawings

night as an attraction and to improve safety to the adjacent streets Shared party wall with neighbouring building becomes services core for elevators and washrooms

Charity

Rear wheelchair

house

access

Rooftop

Viewing platform towards Accrington landscape,

garden

Baptist Church and surrounding listed buildings

Baptist Church (Grade II listed)

PA R A DI S E S T R EE T

CA NNON S TREET

East Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

PART D Final Drawings

Shared party wall with neighbouring building becomes services core for elevators and washrooms Neighbouring office buildings

Gothic

mostly 2-3 storeys high

House

Charity house

PA R A DI S E S T R EE T

Baptist Church

Private day nursery

(Grade II listed)

and pre-school

CA NNON S TREET

East Elevation Scale 1:200 on A3 Initial sketch

Existing ruin

15m

Summary and Ref lections

Summary

PART E Summary and Reflections

Beginning from S1, our proposal development have considered and looked into various scales from the overall Accrington urbanscape to the Cannon Street Quarter, building and human in S2 and finally, through to minute details of material layers in S3.

Scale

1 : 2000

1 : 1000

1 : 500

1 : 200

1 : 50

1 : 10

TOW N Accrington

HE ART O F TOW N Accrington Conservation Area

NEIGH BOURH OOD Cannon Street Quarter

STREET Cannon Street

B UI LDI N G Conservative Club

I N T E R I OR Rooms and spaces

LAY E R S Building elements

page 45

page 48

page 53

page 39

page 26

Accrington Action Plan

Heart of Town: Accrington

Connections: Acorn Trail

Context: Grade II listed buildings

Massing: Ghostly provocation

Tectonics: Modern Methods

Sustainability: Comfort and

(AAP) 2012

Conservation Area

and Retail &

Community and cultural use

as object lesson

of Construction (MMC)

building’s environmental control

S1 S2 S3

PART E

The Conservative Club

Summary and Reflections

Past, Present & Future: a story to be continued...

100 years

1891

T (19 he 90 Ch s) ur c

hi ll’ s

N ig ht

cl ub

A New Retail & Typology Community . Cultural . Commercial

30 years

The Conservative Club

2016

5 years

The Blaze

5, 10, 50, 100 years?

System of Absences

System of Exchanges

System of Archetypes

Existing Grade-II listed facade

Can

non

Stre

Original historical form boasting the Queen Anne grandeur, the highlight of Cannon Street. Was designed to “make a grand statement of permanence, prosperity and patriotism in Accrington”

Surviving basement and ground floor facade following arson incident. The upper floors are completely damaged and destroyed.

With reference to theories by Sulfaro on traumatic ruins and Pierre Nora on Lieux de Memoire, the Park of Ruin explores the notion of memory and journey through surviving historical remains. Reincarnation of the overall facade using sculpted wire mesh is intended to appear ghostly as object lessons as well as evoking sense of permanence and ephemeral.

The ruin is repurposed into a functional building to revitalise the former Conservative Club. The building’s overall volume is reinstated, with clear contrast between old and new as well as exploiting the building’s potential to open up the street and encourage community activities. Learning from issues and existing retail typology dotted around town, Retail & ideology is proposed intended to blur the boundary between community, cultural and commercial pursuit, to regenerate the artery of the town, existing Acorn Trail + retail network, as a way to invite people back to Accrington. Additionally, our exploration and spatial planning that based on the UK’s workplace design guide, the Building Regulations and the HSE ensures good health and wellbeing of users, while encouraging social exchanges and interactions, in accordance with the RIBA sustainable outcome guide.

S3 began to demonstrate the viability of our proposal to create a contemporary space for exchanges, while sensitively negotiate with the historical listed ruin. Through precedent studies, further material explorations and technical resolutions, we have proven the feasibility to revitalise contentious listed ruin as intended, the very idea to repopulate the once forgotten structure as a node that opens up the site for public interaction. Sculpted wire mesh facade not only reinstate the former glory of the club, but also invoke a ghostly existence of the absences. Development of overall building geometry and archetypes exploration begins to narrate our design intention better, while also tackling the building’s internal climate through addition of a ‘threshold’ that successfully segmentised the building. Building’s environmental strategies including system of openings and enclosures, and sustainability are shown throughout, as outlined in the RIBA sustainable outcome guide.

future Following our DfMA approach, the Club retains its significance as a landmark and focal point for community engagement despite changing functions due to trend irrelevance. People in Accrington continue to enjoy the architecture and historical narrative preserved and represented through the design for years to come. This ties back to our initial S1 exploration based on Sulfaro’s essay, to incorporate existing remains while the building is rejuvinated for new purpose. At night, the glowy mesh facade serves as a reminder and lessons of neglect, while poetically retain beautiful memories created by the people in Accrington during the lifetime of the club, becoming a symbolism of past glorified existence.

Bibliography Arch Daily. (2014) FRAC Dunkerque/ Lacaton & Vassal. Arch Daily. [Online] [Accessed on 11 April 2022] https://www. archdaily.com/475507/frac-of-the-north-region-lacaton-and-vassal ArchDaily. (2013) Yute’s / Flores & Prats. 31st Jan. [Online] [Accessed on 11 April 2022] https://www.archdaily. com/324536/yutes-flores-prats Architekwiki. (2019) Elevator Addition Detail. [Online] [Accessed on 15 May 2022] https://www.architekwiki.com/ wiki/elevator-addition-details Bell, A. (2017) ‘Inside the Con Club’. Lancs Live. [Online] [Accessed on 16 March 2022] https://www.lancs.live/news/ local-news/gallery/inside-the-con-club-11418475 Cai, G., Xiong, F., Xu, Y., Larbi, A. S., Lu, Y. and Yoshizawa, M. (2019) ‘A Demountable Connection for Low-Rise Precast Concrete Structures with DfD for Construction Sustainability-A Preliminary Test under Cyclic Loads’. Sustainability 11, no. 13: 3696. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11133696 Cilento, K. (2010) Dovecote Studio / Haworth Tompkins. 17th November. ArchDaily. [Online] [Accessed on 24 May 2022] https://www.archdaily.com/89980/dovecote-studio-haworth-tompkins?ad_medium=gallery Comberg, E. (2018) ‘A Different Kind of Architectural Drawing: Léon Krier’s Sketches’. 24th Jun. ArchDaily. [Accessed on 19 January 2022]. https://www.archdaily.com/896720/a-different-kind-of-architectural-drawing-leonkriers-sketches Cutieru, A. (2020) A Guide to Design for Disassembly. Arch Daily. [Online] [Accessed on 2 March 2022] https:// www.archdaily.com/943366/a-guide-to-design-for-disassembly David Chipperfield Architects (No Date) Neues Museum, Museum Island Berlin, 1993–2009. [Online] [Accessed on 19 January 2022] https://davidchipperfield.com/project/neues_museum Davies, M.(2019) New Life for Old Ruins. Cathedral Communications Limited 2019. [Online] [Accessed on 13 April 2022] https://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/life-for-ruins/life-for-ruins.htm Designing Buildings. (2021) Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA). [Online] [Accessed on 10 February 2022] https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Design_for_Manufacture_and_Assembly_(DfMA) Hobson, B. (2020) Archigram’s Plug-In City Shows That “Prefabrication Doesn’t Have To Be Boring” says Peter Cook. Dezeen. [Online] [Accessed on 16 March 2022] https://www.dezeen.com/2020/05/12/archigram-plug-in-citypeter-cook-dennis-crompton-video-interview-vdf/ Hyndburn Borough Council. (2012) Adopted Accrington Area Action Plan (AAP). Local Development Framework. [Online] [Accessed on 24th September 2021] https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/download-package/adoptedaccrington-area-action-plan/ Hyndburn Borough Council. (No Date) Accrington Acorn Trail. [Online] [Accessed on 1st October 2021]https:// prospectsfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/acorn_trail.pdf Krier, L. (2009) Drawing for Architecture. MIT Press. Langdon, D. (2018) ‘AD Classics: National Museum of Roman Art / Rafael Moneo’ 1st October. ArchDaily. [Online] [Accessed on 19 January 2022] https://www.archdaily.com/625552/ad-classics-national-museum-of-roman-artrafael-moneo Leader, A. (No Date) This Day in History: December 11. [Online] [Accessed on 24 May 2022] https://www. italianartsociety.org/2017/12/bernardino-pinturicchio-died-on-11-december-1513-in-siena/ MiTek. (No Date) Posi Joists. [Online] [Accessed on 11 April 2022] https://www.mitek.co.uk/products/posi-joists/ Perez, A. (2010) AD Classics: Exeter Library (Class of 1945 Library) / Louis Kahn. 9th Jun. ArchDaily. [Online] [Accessed on 24 May 2022] https://www.archdaily.com/63683/ad-classics-exeter-library-class-of-1945-library-louiskahn Pimlott, M. (2004) ‘Ornament and Picture-making. Ornament. Decorative Traditions in Architecture’. OASE (65) pp.625.

PART F Bibliography and Appendix RIBA. (2019) RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide. London: Royal Institute of British Architects. [Online] [Accessed on 10 May 2022]. https://riba-prd-assets.azureedge.net/-/media/GatherContent/Test-resources-page/AdditionalDocuments/RIBASustainableOutcomesGuide2019pdf.pdf?rev=5013ea18b10949f1af0a14cb439fcb32 Richardson, A. (2022) ETFE Foil: A Guide to Design. [Online] [Accessed on 10 March 2022] https://www.architen. com/articles/etfe-foil-a-guide-to-design/ SIP Build UK (No Date) What Are SIPs? [Online] [Accessed on 10 May 2022] https://www.sipbuilduk.co.uk/what-aresips/ Stewart, J. (2022) The Story Behind Raphael’s Masterpiece ‘The School of Athens’. 21st March. [Online] [Accessed on 24 May 2022] https://mymodernmet.com/school-of-athens-raphael/ Tresoldi, E. (No Date) About. [Online] [Accessed on 1st October 2021] https://www.edoardotresoldi.com University of the West of England. (No Date) Evolution of Building Elements. [Online] [Accessed on 15 May 2022] https://fet.uwe.ac.uk/conweb/house_ages/elements/section2.htm

The Facade

PART F Bibliography & Appendix

Option 1

Option 2 Parapet

Option 1 External cladding: Glass block

Glass block (front)

Glass structure: Triple glazed curtain wall with spider joints Precedents:

Option 2 External cladding: Sculptued wire mesh Glass structure: Steel frame and (3x1.5)m glass panels Triple-glazed

Precedents: Eduardo Tresholdi and Dodi Moss

curtain wall (back)

Option 3 External cladding: Polycarbonate / ETFE panels Existing stone wall

Glass structure: Steel frame and (3x1.5)m glass panels Precedents:

Option 4 External cladding: Wire mesh panels Glass structure: Steel frame and (3x1.5)m glass panels Precedents:

Existing stairs

The Facade

PART F Bibliography and Appendix

Layers of material

NORI Bricks NORI glass brick

Ghostly intervention

Reinterpretation of Accrington’s identity within the system of absences, as well as reflecting the Conservative Club’s former building material. The transparent quality of glass appears ghostly, conveying structure that used to stand in place before its demise.

Existing listed facade

While recreation of the ‘ghost’ facade using NORI Bricks, another pride of Accrington, is an opportunity to convey a poetic narrative to building users as one approaches the facade, upon further exploration, employment of such glass blocks can be very tricky and the most lightweight approach in our case where we require a curtain glass system to minimise disruption on existing listed ruin. Existing facade as seen from the interior

Wire mesh facade As part of the System of Absences, wire mesh cast shadows and provides to an extent a level of shading against harsh sunlight. It facilitates to deliver the ghostly effect intended as object lessons, as well as emphasising the distinction between permanent and ephemeral, new and existing.

The Columns

PART F Bibliography and Appendix

“Embellished utility”

1891 Conservative Club corinthian detail

Retail & (2022)

Contemporary frame structure (exposed)

As most of the building structure will need to be rebuilt, instead of simply recreating the Conservative Club’s former classical column, there is an opportunity to narrate the story of the building’s lifetime and its transition from a political, more reserved, classical function to a bustling, colourful entertainment centre, through merging of the different style of columns found in historical photos, along with contemporary functional column structure that actually supports the building. The intention is for the building, the materiality itself to convey stories that can be easily understood, transcending languages, that reaches out to people regardless of their origins, rather than worded exhibition. This also suggest the intention of keeping the aesthetic of ruin while being functional as object lesson.

1990s Churchill’s Nightclub column mural

1891 Conservative Club wooden panels

Contemporary I-Beam structure (exposed)