Developing a canvas for sustainability in a city undergoing urban regeneration

The comprehensive project explores the rich history of St. Philip's Marsh, analyses the current state of the site, and criticises the future development proposals. The proposal pays homage to the site's history by creating an industrial building. Whilst redefining the theory behind an industrial building use by creating a spectacle for the observer. Raising awareness on modern issues of fast fashion, in particular overconsumption. And creating a sustainable solution to the issue.

Currently, St. Philip's Marsh does not have a face to engage with, the site is unattractive to a tourist despite being in a prime location for public interaction. The process of urban regeneration allows the site to regain its presence in the eye of the public it once had. However, the current proposals have in some cases been lacklustre and underdeveloped. Thereby, I felt it just to criticise the development proposals and suggest my own that would capture the site's rich history, provide it with a public presence, accompanied by a sustainable goal of reducing overconsumption in modern fashion.

The design process has been achieved by continuously changing scales ranging from global issues to local events. The largest influences on the proposal had been my findings on the site's history and first-hand experience of the site's character. These analyses laid the foundation for developing my building use as I was keen to maintain the industrial function on the site. However, at the present, the site suffers from a lack of exposure to the public and the proposal should have a public function to make the building a success. Thus, I researched different types of industrial operations and settled on a clothing recycling factory as I have a profound interest in fashion and am an advocate of reusing garments. This operation allowed me to create a spectacle for the public by creating an unconventional theatre. However, the building proposals in close proximity did not actively engage with the history of the site and in many instances failed to create a face that the site so desperately needed. Therefore, I looked into precedents for building interaction with the public and redeveloped the face of building proposals. By connecting the proposal to the comprehensive project I developed a spectacle for the public.

I do believe the comprehensive project is a successful statement on a modern-day issue of great importance that is not talked about enough. And Bristol is the perfect canvas for fabric-related developments as its one of the major textile providers in the UK. The proposal captures my own personal interests and provides an opportunity for St. Philip's Marsh to once again become a cultural melting pot as it once was.