Implementing adaptability within industry and further afield.

Industries are facing issues of space scarcity due to the conventional industrial building being a large span shed occupying a lot of space. Looking into the flexibility and verticality of industrial buildings could be a solution to these issues as well as moving industry back into towns such as Stroud.

To help me understand and visualise the concepts and methods of designing a flexible building, in Semester 1 I made a ‘toolkit’ of topics to think about. The ‘toolkit’ comes as a set of cards divided into five categories and then further divided into sub-categories/ concepts. I then used these cards to help me when designing and testing my building.

Building on from this due to the nature of my building, there are various scenarios in which my principles can be used, these include industrial, residential, recreational etc. These scenarios can be developed over time or the use of the building can change immediately. For my project, I have tested my building with a tyre factory to keep within the theme of industry. Flexible buildings require specific permanent elements. These are often columns as they allow vertical flexibility as well as horizontal I developed and created columns that will guide circulation through my building as well as act as structural support. I have used my flexible building cards to help me design them. The columns are modular, structural, provide circulation, and host services. These columns are spread on my site with two grids: a radial and a parallel grid. One following the viaduct curve and the other the natural site boundary. Polycarbonate, and plywood panels as well as large circular windows make up the facade of the building and chainmail and linen curtains separate the interior depending on use. The fun and playful elevations and interiors showcase its approachability as a fun building rather than a grimy and industrial situation- completing its aim to attract more people around this industrial area.

Finally, looking at the masterplan with the extended grid overlaid you can see that whatever Stroud needs this project gives, by expansion or alteration new spaces can be added or adapted- giving a new meaning to the industrial building.