The project starts by choosing a topic to research on at Stoke-on-Trent, and I decided to look into jobs and employment in the area. Based on national survey for Stoke-on-Trent, work opportunities are ample yet people are still unemployed due to lack of basic literacy skills. To counter that, I used literature as a main element in this project. Hanley, having a history of its own literature known especially by the works of Arnold Bennett, is a signi ficant factor in driving the project forward. The building is designed for people, especially authors, to be inspired, to discuss, and to collect and exchange ideas with others. Not only it would be a boost to encourage literacy but it could boost the lite
rature culture in Hanley.
As literacy is one of the first skills needed in daily life, I metaphorically used Bennett’s first published work - Anna of The Five Towns - as a guide. Carefully, I put the characters into groups, then using the chapters, plotted down the interactions between them. These interactions became the basis of the intersecting space for public and private in the building.
The linear plan is a reflection of its storyline which is chronological and straightforward. The spaces are divided into three main areas, public, semi-private and private. It starts with the centre, where the public, authors and non-authors alike, can mingle, exchange ideas, refer from the library, collect information from the computer lounge, and discuss among each other. These information are then brought by authors to their private rooms at both ends of the building to create new literature materials. The ground level can accommodate book-related activities e.g. signings, exhibitions, sales etc.
Precedents include Tadao Ando's Picture Book Library & Book Memorial, Corby Cube, and Peter Zumthor's Therme Vals.
*The images are not to scale.
No comments:
Post a Comment