Component 1 Klaudija Lukosiunaite 900328
Brief & Specification Brief: An unfinished construction, in 23-55 North Street, Romford has been abandoned since 2010 - Causing businesses nearby to suffer, as the unpleasing construction drives away customers. Small business owners in the local area complain that “it used to be a vibrant area” and that the unfinished construction has “killed the streets.” The purpose is to work with the existing infrastructure and re-design the space as a permanent design centre, which will take most of its inspiration from my recent visit to Copenhagen and existing Danish architectural projects. The interior and exterior of the main structure and the outdoor social spaces should prioritise natural light, functionality and its main focus being the people utilizing the space - by providing a safe, enjoyable setting and a comfortable environment. Traditional building materials such as copper, wood and concrete will be visibly used to create an industrial/raw aesthetic. Within my design, the most distinctive and primary theme will be Juxtaposition & Contrast, taking inspiration from raw, deconstructed brutalist architecture providing inspiration for the contrasting extension to the main structure. In conjunction, my secondary theme is Movement & Flow, which will inspire the majority of the interior space, following the flow and direction of the people moving around the space, as well as to further emphasise the contrast from the exterior of the building and the interior. Romford is a commonly disliked area, with article pages such as ‘iLiveHere’ labelling it as “Britain’s worst place to live” and ‘TheTab’ saying its the ”Worst Hometown Ever”. Being someone that frequently visits the area, I can identify that the town has an evident lack of interest or creative identity, with the majority of buildings located around the shopping mall and the high-street stuck with similar design/building regulations from the early 2000 (when the Brewery shopping center was built). I believe by introducing a design center, it will stimulate renovation and interest within the surrounding area, boosting local businesses, attracting visitors, creating a more social and pleasant environment for locals and showing what Romford could potentially look like in the future. In the long-term, by bringing architects and designers to the area, I believe it has the potential to introduce projects within the town, such as re designing and modernizing the high-street, introducing more contemporary communal housing and urban planning which would boost the local economy and further improve Romford’s reputation.
Specification: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Primary theme: Juxtaposition & Contrast Secondary Theme: Movement & Flow The structures interior and exterior should take inspiration from Danish Architecture The Design Center should be designed in a modern and contemporary manner Offices/ workspaces for employees (Designers/ Architects) Space for conferences/ meetings Studio and Gallery space that can be adapted to host different events 2 Cafés, one with indoor and outdoor access, one stand-alone café Rooftop Terrace Gift shop with indoor and outdoor access Indoor and outdoor social spaces Employee, Visitor and Public parking availability Walkways that connect different areas of parts of the design Washroom facilities inc. M&F and disabled Able to accommodate those with disabilities Free WiFi
Location
Derelict Construction: North Street, Romford
Romford Recorder – Published 27 June 2019 The derelict North Street construction remains abandoned 9 years after building was halted. Businesses in Romford’s town centre are “sick and tired” of the derelict 16-storey building that towers over the street – they believe the “eyesore” construction drives away shoppers.
Redeveloping Outdoor Car Park to Public Space
Outdoor Social Space/ Walkway Carpark with Terraced Public Space, Including a CafĂŠ & Pavilion
Destruction of Car Park to Public Space
Main Building
What Works:
What Does not Work:
Location Review
Site Elevations FRONT ELEVATION
BACK ELEVATION
LEFT ELEVATION
RIGHT ELEVATION
Site Perspective & Plan
DERELICT CONSTRUCTION OUTDOOR CAR-PARK
DERELICT SITE
RIVER ROM PARKING LOT