“Architecture is subsumed by a more complete process of design, one in which the tactile experience of space, light and material is balanced against the intellectual ordering of form through geometry and structure. space and structure are rendered minimally, leaving a field for the elaboration of material” (Pallasmaa, 1996:104).
The overarching themes presented in ‘Industry Lost, Industry Found’ express simplicity in form while exploring the capabilities of clay as a material to create experiences which are tactile throughout the proposal. The massing of the project; an innovative clay research centre, is inspired by the industrial typologies seen throughout the town to ensure continuity within the architectural language of Accrington while reconnecting the area to its heritage. Additionally, through manipulating form, materiality, and tactility the spaces generate intriguing atmospheres, concentrated using juxtaposing thresholds around the building.
Materiality is used complimentary to the form of the structure, since it is responsible for the tactile experience encountered throughout the building generating conversations between the built surrounding and users. The physical connection between the community and the proposal are culminated in use of materials, through a contextual palette of colours and textures which arose in the projects research. The project celebrates the capabilities of clay as a material and exhibits its versatility from large scale chimneys to hand-held tactile details.
