'llifo' stage aims to serve the community through expression of the duality of water as a resource and healing entity

This stage focuses on the purpose of water in our existence and heritage as well as our changing perception of it. The different spaces of the structure each express a different role of the substance, leading the visitor on a journey of enlightenment and appreciation as they view the changing nature of water both in its contained and free-flowing form.

After looking into the history of the site through the perspective of Cardiff's maritime heritage as well as through social-geographic research as well as analysis of views around the site, I realised that the centrepoint and focus of my design should be the water that surrounds (and falls upon) the site. These aspects also led me to further designate the structure as a sailing centre working with surrounding schools (many of which have an over 30% FSM rate), teaching both of the dangers and spiritual aspects of water and strengthening a sense of belonging to Cardiff and its maritime heritage.

Through the use of a rainwater harvesting system and a curation of the journey and transition from one space to another within the structure, the visitor is brought into the space of the stage after understanding the process and journey of the water itself through the space. As visitors venture down into the spaces of the complex closest to the water of the Cardiff bay artificial lake, they are brought into greater intimacy with it via the placement of a chest-height pool, meant to be used for water-based vocal therapy for the community and for safety guidance while sailing for visiting schools. The main performance and seating area meant for use of up to 6 musical/theatre performance throughout Esteddfodd was designed to double as the teaching space for the sailing school throughout the rest of the year. The control room can be used to both view and adjust the lighting for performers, and to ensure the wellbeing of the children while they're sailing in the structure's surrounding waters. The function room further functions as a meditation room, meant to bring pupils and community visitors attending vocal therapy practice to have a place to prepare prior to enter into the water.

In an existence constantly pushing us further away from tactile experiences and introspection, 'llifo' stage attempts to bring communities together and closer to the context and identity of Cardiff.