Resolven

Resolven

PROCESS TAGS

MArchI

CONTENT TAGS

Public Engagement

LOCATION

Resolven, Neath Port Talbot, Wales, United Kingdom

Project Description

Community

“The Nest” is a place where everyone wants to come back to. It is located in Resolven in Wales in the southern part of the town. The current building was sponsored by the miners in the 1930s’. The Resolven Miners Welfare building went through a series of changes throughout the decades, but it was always a space for a community that held a theatre/cinema and restaurant.

The site is surrounded by residential buildings, the
main road from the east and train trucks from the south. Currently the building
has an extension to the south with a green area in front. As the
building is not used efficiently it requires changes that will bring people

To bring the new life to the building “the Nest” provides community spaces that allow people to socialise, learn and enjoy their time. This is achieved through preservation of the building, and reorganisation of spaces and opening the green spaces to the people of Resolven.

The main entrance is a beginning of the journey through the building created with light and shadows thresholds. From the bright lobby the visitor is passing through the dark and narrow corridor towards a light and large open café/restaurant that opens to the left towards the garden/public realm and to the right, separated, rentable spaces.

The first floor refurbished theatre is expanded by adding of the winter terrace that provides a lounge space for intermissions As the building should sustain itself it needs to be used more efficiently and be open all day till late evening so all age groups can enjoy it. Thus to take advantage of the winter terrace space, it can also be used throughout the day as an additional seating area for the café.

The outdoor public realm space introduces the opportunity to the Resolven Miners Welfare for additional revenue by organising the charity and social events such as pop - up food market or small music events. In addition, towards the back of the garden the playground is located so the children can enjoy their time while parents socialise.

The Nest is an inclusive space where everyone wants to
come back to.

Justyna Matuszewska

MArch

Hi! My name is Justyna (jus-tee-nuh). I have recently completed my RIBA Part 1 studies at WSA, and I am excited to begin another chapter. I am a highly motivated, positive, and enthusiastic individual. I am committed to everything I do and always strive to improve myself. I believe in architecture that takes into consideration context, communities, and tradition. My motto is that people should always be at the centre of the design process, as we cater to their needs first and foremost. I have a keen interest in sustainability, preservation, and reconnecting people with nature. I am a true believer that a good design can support and create opportunities for communities to grow in a more sustainable way. I am passionate about creating responsible and regenerative architecture that promotes social and environmental values.

Other work by Justyna