A retrofit redevelopment in the heart of Usk, aiming to bring artists, residents, and visitors together in one creative space

This project proposes the introduction of a creative and exhibitory space for the town of Usk. With a focus on the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, following the pattern of experientially open and closed spaces, this project seeks to explore how transitions in spatial experience can affect the human perception of a building. With facilities ranging from a café, a metalworking studio, an art studio ,and several gallery spaces, this project seeks to address all possible space uses.

The ground floor of the opposing building being restored to its historical open marketplace state, allows the space to be used for both public and private events. The basis of the project was a series of changes to Usk that were made in a master-planning level including the pedestrianisation of the high street, and the redirection of the busy A-Road, as well as the introduction of several parks.

With its defining sawtooth roof and curved rooftop facing North, this project makes use of a historical artifact built into one of the two retrofit buildings to build on the character of the development. The artifact in question is a well preserved Georgian storefront with two round bay windows which inspired the design of the curved roof. The North facing sawtooth rooftop makes use of indirect lighting to achieve ideal lighting conditions for the metalworking studio and the café. A bridge connects the first floor of the old town hall (large gallery space) to the rest of the project, while also providing an opening to the outside in-between the two galleries. With all the extensions adopting metal as a primary construction material, the character of the art created within the development extends to the space around it. This is further embedded in the project through the sculpture walk that leads people around Usk and exhibits the metal sculptures developed in the studio to visitors to the town, acting as a way to lead people to the gallery, but also as a curated walk around the beautiful Usk.