Our project set out to explore how to revive parts of Bradford's decaying "Top of Town". We were tasked with tying the internal spaces with the wider context of the city of Bradford, whilst accomodating facilities for Bradford Civic Society, the local art collective FUSE, and shared office space provider ASSEMBLY.
The site contains a Grade II listed meeting Hall called Fountain Hall, which needed to be treated in line with regulations set out by Historic England. This was a key element in considering the spacial and lighting qualities I wanted to achieve within the gallery space. The super-imposed CorTen offices provide a contrasting backdrop and emphasize the antiqual details of the Victorian facade.
A key driver for this project was to design conciously and minimise unnecessary waste. I decided to retain and adapt much of the existing structure.
The current apartment complex is also renovated to meet a local market for high-end accomodation for young professionals, which would make use of the cafe facilities on site and bring business to the dwindling High street.
The resulting collection of buildings creates an exciting juxtaposition of roof forms and materials, with a central courtyard visually and physically linking the surrounding exhibition spaces, workshops and cafe. hitectural bricolage and the rising water symbolises the threat of flooding & climate change.
This cultural hub aims to inspire the local community to be involved with local arts, and better link pedestrians access to this part of the town centre, whilst bringing vibrancy and cultural innovation to the community.
