Enhancing Castlefranco's Community's Engagement through it's Arts and Culture

The Programme focuses on enhancing the community engagement of Castlefranco's citizens. By providing a Cultural Centre for the town that will be filled with attractions and programs which focuses on the arts of Castlefranco will not only increase the community engagement of the town but also creates new opportunities for the town itself. Having a sense of community that drives from cultural activity help
people learn more about their local area.

Enhancing the Community engagement of Castlefranco is very much needed as the town wall could be seen of as a barrier between the two communities located inside and outside of the town wall. The public spaces ranging from cultural centres around the town and other public spaces such as public library and theatre does really not involve both communities together. Thus why creating a cultural centre that focuses on enhancing the community engagement was needed.

An extensive research was done by analysing neighbouring buildings, activities that are available on site and the history of the site. A lot of information was found but one that struck to me the most was how after the downfall of the town Castlefranco that happened due to the war of Cambrai in the 1600s was revived by the people via the talents that each citizens have. These talents included painters, musician, sculptors, performers, writers and many more which brought light back to the town. From this I have furthered my research to what was left behind by the people to the town, what was remaining and what was missing. I found out that there wasn't many activities driven spaces on site that was available for the people and that could bring communities within the town wall and outside the town wall. This proposal is about bringing those 2 communities together and enhancing each others engagement through the arts and culture of the town of Castlefranco.

Throughout the design process a lot of thoughts and consideration on the design of the building was needed to be done as the site is considered to be a historical place. Being sensitive with the neighbouring building and existing landmark was crucial as well as creating an extension to a historical building (Costanzo House). Choosing the right shape and façade needed to be coherent with the site context. All throughout I learned that being sensitive towards the site was one of the most important thing when designing a building in a historical site.