Movement

'The key design driver for Phase 4 was the creation of a scheme that reflects the mining character of the town and the revival of the Miners Welfare Building. This will be achieved by creating the sense of movement within the building through different light qualities emerging from the openings. The orientation and size of openings in the building and the extension will also allow a better communication with the central street as they aim to ‘’inherit’’ the sense of movement to the public realm and the town consequently.

Phases 2 and 3 constituted an important basis to begin exploring the areas I was interested with. My Phase 3 experiential image explores Space qualities which are characterised by simplicity that aims in creating a sense of serenity within the room. This safe defensible space is also characterised by different forms of lighting, with an emphasis on the natural light coming from the simple large opening that brings a natural atmosphere within the space. This provided a base so that I start emphasizing on the contrast between the materials and the size of openings in the extension.
In this way, atmosphere within the space and movement created by light and shadow constituted my main design principle. After identifying my main design principle, I also wanted to look at materials and textures that reflect the character and the heritage of the building and the town. This combined atmosphere of movement (representing the revival and the new element), with the old tectonic character of the existing building is what combines the new and the old in Phase 4.

Overall, the scheme for Phase 4 provides a sensible to the context solution as it respects the heritage of the Art Deco building and adds an atmospheric experience to the user. The scheme aims in meeting with client’s expectations of maintaining the initial character of the hall as a social pillar by maintaining its initial character by reviving some of the functions such as the library. In phase 2 as a group we wanted to provide areas to read and reflect. Therefore, in my Phase 4 scheme I extended the function to encourage the visitor to find a place to sit, read, interact and reflect.
To sum up, the projects aims in bringing back to life the building and its uses by creating a sense of movement through light and shadow.

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