Connecting People

The goal is to create a highly contributing space to Stokes Croft, proposing to Stokes Croft Land Trust (SCLT), to consider it as part of the Stokes Croft boundary. Located at the cross section of Wilder Street and Upper York Street, my site is situated in an area of residential spaces, non-profit organizations, and leased-out offices as their main land uses. It is important for my site to benefit the local community and integrate the land uses of the area.

As my site was built in 2006, my façade inspection of cracked walls (may indicate internal issues, such as drainage and electrical) suggests deconstruction, hence a new design may solve their crammed internal circulation and, most importantly, increase the land’s social value. The site is owned by Bristol City Council, and is leased out to organizations, with Black South West Network (BSWN) as their main organization of the site. BSWN is a Black-led racial justice charitable organization that supports Black and minority communities with a community-led approach.

Bristol has a small population of Black and minority people, hence BSWN is important as it creates a safe space for them. BSWN aims to raise £3 million to invest into their vision, and raised £4 million by the end, exceeding their goal. It is a great achievement for a non-profit organization, highlighting its impact and power within Bristol and the Southwest. This project further proposes collaborating SCLT and BSWN for further development of community-benefitting spaces. Hence this project aims to be the catalyst for building community wealth in Stokes Croft and Bristol. The main design drive is the material palette, especially ceramics and porcelain tiles. The project proposes the tiles to be made in collaboration with Stokes Croft China, and hand-painted by the local community. It will be painted with African adinkra symbols, echoing the cultural references of the Black community, with symbols representing aspects such as wealth and luck. This tile making process creates an ecosystem within Stokes Croft and the people. Clay was further echoed by using clay walls for interior and the repurposing bricks from the deconstruction of the initial building.

Also, a clay panel heating system and Bristol Heat Network Local Development Order is also implemented. The building is separated into a hierarchy of land uses, from public to private. The ground floor implements community-facing, community-benefitting, and community-run stores such as 24-hour laundrettes and small-scale law local law firms. The first floor has leased-out rooms for small businesses for the day and night schools in the evenings. The second floor is the headquarters of BSWN, and the top floor is a winter garden. All spaces aim to assist building community wealth, especially monetary and social wealth.