Circulation
Considering that the TED conference lasts only two weeks out of the year, a degree of flexibility is required beyond TED. To embrace this, the lecture hall can be reused for similar sized events, quite easily, but the surrounding functions must embody regular use. To this end the bar/ library/ exhibition combination embodies three related, but distinct aspects of a ‘creative’ culture, to create a destination of ‘free space’ for the city beyond TED.
Idea Store, Whitechapel and Chrisp Street
The two David Adjaye ‘Idea Stores’ of Whitechapel and Chrisp Street, are reactions to the notion of the word ‘library’ as being old, traditional and above all outdated. These new dynamic and inviting spaces add to the bookshelves with multimedia facilities and cafés, to cast off perceptions and act as community hubs.
The Baltic, Gateshead
This conversion from a former riverside Flour Mill, uses the existing structure as a complete building envelope, this is unlike my wish to use the existing wall as an enclosure. However the treatment of the brick with contemporary details and a balance between rugged and undecorated materials, such as concrete, corten steel and glass block, to create a historically affirming progressive piece of architecture.
Material Analysis
The materials seen around Holbeck Urban Village are a mix of old and new, a visual testament to reclaiming and homogenizing. The question of my own conversion is whether to follow this lead, expand on it or reject it outright. All three options are justified in approach given the outright predominance of my building function. However I suspect function may be the deciding factor of material choice.
Architecture Surrounding the Site
The Leeds-Liverpool canal runs by the site, causing a southern boundary. Should this be bridged as a metaphor for TEDs inclusive nature or can this be utilised to keeping out social ‘undesirables’.
The brickwork of the existing carpark suggests an impressive enclosure opportunity, the windows that now do not face south or stand to gain direct sunlight may be blocked to create an illusion of a new location without the disturbances of another world. It will pay to observe how other large scale conversions to public buildings have been handled.
The immediate building to the site show the work of an industrial Leeds, these large expanses of former factory are currently billed to become new residential and offices to take Leeds in a new direction of a ‘knowledge’ and ‘creative’ economy.
The Viaduct across the West of the site is just such an industrial construction, illustrated in the Leeds renaissance plan as a future walkway (1) to try and connect the city. This has yet to commence.
(1) http://www.leedsrisingcity.org/#/eightprinciples/viaduct/
Holbeck Urban Village
The current architecture of Holbeck has 2 distinct qualities. First, the commandeering of history, old industrial units of heavy masonry and undoubtedly high thermal mass, have been preserved and cleaned, in the continuous expansion of Holbeck urban Village. Secondly the main nature of the village is to house professional services, such as architects, solicitors and art galleries. Complementary services of restaurants and boutiques exist also to be utilized
Site Option Holbeck
The existing brick building is a former factory of Holbeck, now a carpark to the urban village. Surrounded by Globe Road to the North, Water Lane to the South, and additional parking facilities on the East and West, it has an immediate developable area, with minimum affecting factors. The Liverpool-Leeds Canal runs along the South elevation, and has been described by as being a barrier to development and access (1). This does allow for my proposal, as a destination building in its own right, to survive where other proposals have failed due to lack of ‘cross-fertilisation’ by pedestrians.
(1) www.holbeckurbanvillage.co.uk/living-map
Site Option City Centre
This city centre location has the benefit of being at the train stations doorstep, and being placed amongst recently developed part of Leeds. The challenge of the site lies in the small area, though this is by far the largest piece of available land in the heart of Leeds, it may still be too small to house such a complex. Aesthetically the challenge is to not look detailed, a simple and subtle form would best bring quality to the hi-tech developments that surround.
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