Adaptability

Conceived as the rejuvenation of the existing Resolven Miners Welfare (RMW), the intention with the project was to consolidate the existing space within the building, allowing visitors and inhabitants to make best use of the many assets within Resolven. Adaptability and Flexibility in programme and architecture are proposed as a response to the current state of disrepair of the RMW. With small, separated spaces with limited connection to the exterior creating a sometimes uncomfortable atmosphere internally, the RMW has been unable to adapt to the changing and evolving needs of its inhabitants. The rigidity built into the architecture and structure has left the RMW unable to keep up, despite efforts with the Snooker Hall extension, and as such, has led to its decline from community asset. Through a loose(r) definition of programme, and a structural strategy that allows walls to be moved or removed, the proposed RMW is able to adapt to the needs of its inhabitants in both the short and long

In the short term: social spaces located on the ground floor that are ‘normally’ separated can be ‘opened up’ in order to host social events such as intermissions of plays in the theatre above. Similarly, this can be extended through a new extension on the South Façade, allowing guests to walk all the way through the building and out onto the Terrace and into the Community Garden. This is of significance during matinee performances in the theatre above, during the intermissions of which, a large number of guests can socialise within the RMW, enjoying the exterior spaces whilst generating an additional income for the RMW. Equally, as required, the ground floor can be ‘Closed’ and separated into more defined elements (of a restaurant and community space, which can in turn be subdivided). Even when separated, these spaces offer some flexibility. As proven by the (current) Drift restaurant, a full time restaurant is not needed.

The ‘Restaurant’ space is proposed as a Restaurant served by a professional chef at weekends, and a community space and kitchen during the week. In this ‘configuration’, the proposed extension can also be subdivided, translating and extending the ability to create variation in privacy from the Community Hall on the North of the RMW. With the proposed extension subdivided, private ‘Pods’ are created which allow inhabitants areas of privacy away from the main space.

Similarly, this adaptability and flexibility extends out into the exterior space. Solar Shades create a covered terrace allowing inhabitants to enjoy the exterior spaces as well as views of the surrounding valleys around Resolven. As non-permanent elements, these shades may also be removed in order to allow visitors to enjoy the evening sun or other good weather.

In the Long term: This adaptability and flexibility allows the RMW to evolve as needs evolve. If a greater demand for a full time restaurant emerges, the ‘Restaurant’ can fill this need whilst the Community Hall takes over the community function of the building. Equally, if there is no demand for a restaurant, the Community Hall could extend into the Restaurant creating a single large space served by a Community Kitchen.