MSci Architecture - Design Module

Final Iteration

(Brixton, London, England)

Design and description of the final iteration of the building

ProjectDescription The building is heavily inspired by decay, being a generative and destructive process that is fabricated, but also planned for. From the exterior, the abstract form rises as a patchwork of new and weathering steel and copper panels; gleaming silver to tarnished grey to reddish-brown, whilst also shimmering bronze to murky greens and bright turquoise hues.

These metal sheets, draped over the building form, bend and twist, creating a curving and jutting out facade. Sheltering these weathering pieces, a composite of decay found in Brixton is sandwiched between glass in shining copper. All of these pieces patina over time, allowing the building to have an entirely unique appearance at every moment. In the facade’s breakup, windows, skylights, and planters create a new naturally lit quality inside, and emit indirect light at night. The abundance of layering and limited perspectives allows the food hall to appear like a lantern, giving off soft light.

Visitors, including foodies, night-time industry employees, and queuing eventgoers descend into the market from street level. Peering up through the atrium, a skylight brings filtered light through the building’s center. Ascending the triangular staircase allows visitors to peer into the kitchens, access seating, and marvel at views from the terrace. An interlinking of these spaces creates a blending of cooking aromas, conversation, and people. Rising up the building brings viewing areas and places to gather, looking over the O2 Academy across the street as well as Brixton’s nightlife.

As a result of this renewal of nighttime vibrancy and activity, through food and gathering, Brixton can be re-identified at night.

In the final iteration, the decay patchwork is added to the skylight, crowning the building. This also brings filtered light down through the building. The metal facade pieces are pulled and pushed to create opportunities for views, light, and planters. Metal surfaces on the floors, walls, and ceilings decay over time, creating a multicolored patina. However, kitchen interiors and counters are constructed from stainless steel, and are easy to clean for food safety.

The entrance is altered, with pieces of stone cladding parting, as if a deep gash was made into the earth. Here, visitors descend into the building. Glass is more widely used in the upper levels, where seating areas are located.