Multipurpose Medium-high rise for user creativity

The project is situated in the heart of Cardiff, the capital of Wales, in the city center. Over the years, the city center has undergone a metropolitan redevelopment, with an increasing number of high-rise buildings being constructed to accommodate the growing population. Wood Street is planned to be redeveloped into gateway to the city. However, not the first time the street seeing change reveals opens a challenge - longevity.

Given the need for constant architectural and programmatic updates on Wood Street, a design that can continually adapt to new requirements is of most importance. Hence, a project that emphasizes on external flexibility and adaptability to meet the demands. As a proposal, a design is a set of medium-high rise reinforced concrete structure buildings shaped and placed based on the surrounding contextual qualities and a horizontal grid. The Blocks are connected by a clt mesh covered with curtain walls. The mesh creates a vertical grid which connects the various blocks and open areas of micro expansions.

The indeterminate building programme allows the communities and individuals to develop the unfixed floor plates and additional micro external areas into desirable uses while externally, the shape fits in led by the existing condition. Additionally, the mesh aesthetically enriches the surrounding context with a more biophilic approach which is the redevelopment's original aims. Strategically, it creates a ground floor space in between and rooftop usage options for the user as the mesh creates a pleasant environment to be in. The building being close to the Principality Stadium creates an opportunity for commercial activities, but also security problems because of the crowds of people around.

For this event the mesh protects the building but also can extend to the public, creating kiosk and public seating spaces. Overall, the project is not a final building visual but a strategy. The building is shaped externally by the existing surrounding Wood Street condition and internally by the users’ programmatic needs. The design is reusable and is never finished as the context condition is unpredictable and the program is undetermined.