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?

Proposed Site

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and Chrisp Street, are reactions to the notion of the word ‘library’ as being old, traditional and above all outdated.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.

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