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FIGURE/GROUND pontypridd
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Pontypridd Site Analysis identifying strengths and weaknesses of town that leads to its current state of needing urgent regeneration Soft and hard analysis combined can highlight issues and improvement opportunities in town
[ ] art centre concept board & Manifesto
Pontypridd needs regeneration. Not only in urban planning to revitalize local economy but the minds of the people in town. Geographically set in valleys sheltered and surrounded by big mountains, locals live in a tightly gathered community, with competition within the county, within South Wales the pride of locals seemed to have dragged away by the outshining Cardiff and its convenient commuting links. In reality Pontypridd has limited chance to reincarnation back to its prestigious days, but what is most important for the community is to celebrate its cultural identity and be proud of where they live. “There’s nothing to see here” – this is not signifying that older generations feel hopeless living there, but simply their curiosity have died away as times passed. This may be completely normal for every adult, but I believe new trends and contemporary technology we can revitalize their senses. This art centre should be able to reactivate the river by architectural and spatial means, and let locals recall that there IS something to see here. Preserving the good qualities of the site to make people aware of what WAS there that they have missed, and radically demonstrate the beauty of the town by spatial means, so it acts as an exemplar for the future generations to turn, to face and celebrate the river. New and modern forms of construction and use of materials will mark its presence to the new age of town, it also creates opportunities for people to feel curious its architecture. Contemporary art collection is the key to provoke curiosity in cultural sense; especially interactive video art can let people engage with the displays. With this in mind we can create a unique character of the art centre and still attract people. Films are always fascinating by its atmospheric excitement through sound and visual means, and there is a constant interest by people since its technological advancements in graphics and filming process. This art centre should be a place where local can engage with new art, and a place where this new art is generated. Show and demonstrate what excites people, generate interest and curiosity, create a platform for them to get involved. With new growth and local production of “SOMETHING”, coal mining in the past then perhaps films and video art in the future may rejuvenate the minds of people and build up its cultural pride.
DIAGRAMING
pontypridd arts centre 6. [ site strategy ]
original site condition
proposed main mass
service quarter at the back
utilise current underground found space
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Form follows function - form making of the building actively engage with local context to harness the best qualities out of the site
remaining main volume for gallery use
circulation space at river front
street frontage - reception & admin
connection/circulation ramp space acts as bridge to main volume & gallery
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pontypridd arts centre lighting & materials
this was the period when we choose one key space within the scheme we designed and explore how we can use lighting devices and many means to acheive quality lighting and at the same time quantitavely study the lighting conditions and its effect on perception. I chose the ramp space gallery since of its interesting long shape. physical and digital models were made to test daylight and for night time the digital model in 3dstudio max has much potential in testing out artificial lighting strategy by importing erco lights, which is industrially reknown for led efficient lighting in domestic and commercial environment.
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physical models in heliodon testing for lighting condition of the ramp gallery
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digital model using 3ds max
Pseudo Lighting analysis
digital render to visualise artificial lights
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materials & detailing
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plans for gallery proposal
visualisation of the pontypridd arts centre cf37
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vertical studio surface rules