Idea developmet 1

The design decision of retaining the existing brick perimeter, was made through the nature of all other construction in Holbeck, the architectural regeneration has been made through converting the old warehouses and industrial units. But rather than consider the shell as a void to be filled like tetris, the new design should interact with this single element, and use the innate flexibility of all of its spaces to create interventions within the enclosure.




Initially considering the lecture theatre as the hub of the brief, I have sought to contain it within a single form. This monolithic attempt has the advantage of enclosing the theatre in a second layer for sound insulation, and can be manipulated to define further areas in the remaining space.


The existing windows in the southern wall can be filled with glass block, increasing light levels into the area, while keeping the robust appearance of the industrial brick, this is seen to good effect on the Baltic Art Gallery in Gateshead.

But is this really it? To reduce the intent of the building to house conferences and to exist as a place of free thought in the city, into a single form inside a box perimeter? How could one space serve effectively as a library/ exhibition space and a bar? Surely each function needs a unique context, natural light, reduced or increased background noise. Should the perimeter itself be subject to more alteration to achieve this?