A Gathering of Heritage, Hearts and Home

The kiosk is derived heavily from its environment via an iterative design process. Initial site observations defined a key set of design criteria to be met. The initial impression of the site was the disconnect between architectural language on display. I identified the 3 landmarks onsite as my precedents.

The first was the Pierhead building, casting an imposing shadow over the site and illuminating the waterfront with a strong red terracotta glow.

The second landmark was the Senedd building, advertising Welsh structure and honesty through its design. The strong use of slate creating depth through its labyrinth of layers looking inwards towards the heart of Welsh politics. The interior is reflected in its use of strong vertical members within a cylindrical frame creating an overhead and lower level within the building.

The final landmark is the Millennium Centre’s cold copper and slate exterior flowing gently in a swooping curve. This informed the choice of copper and slate to be intertwined within the kiosk alongside its language of sloping curves.

Away from site, the Welsh cake itself determined the heart of the kiosk. The origin of the cake being a beacon of hope for a miner within the desolate mine resonated within the project. The circular form of the cake is echoed in the traditional function of a hearth, a gathering place around which customers will circulate.

The sunken oval in which the kiosk sits invites comfort and security whilst also creating a seating space, protected via the sweeping wing from the elements. The copper glows with the warm light of the interior, emulating the inviting embrace of a warm fire. The slate roofing harkens back to the traditional roofing of the time whilst the cold copper reminds us of the cold metals within the mine. Within this, we can find the comfort of a Welsh cake. Within this, we can find the comforts of home.