Preston Sculpture Centre
The building idea was inspired through comprehensive analysis of the Preston’s architecture and historical evolution. Referring to Preston Opportunity Guide for the Bishop Area my position was to establish a new cultural centre for sculpturing providing an entertainment venue for all types of users, to create a community of crafters, while giving an impetus for reviving the city center. As a result of some work development. I arrived at a proposition which would encourage social interation. The programme consist of an large open plan galleries, workshops areas, studios, cafe and outdoor meeting places. The main objective is to encourage people to engage with the building, socialize and craft, to draw them back to live, work and stay within the city center, reviving the local economy. The arcade has been stategically positioned to be accessed from both The High Street and the Bus Station enhancing pedestrian movement. Post and Platform Mass Timber Structural System has been chosen for the main structural system, as an environmentally friendly solution that will give the building the desired visual aesthetic. Perforated brick pattern enhance visual aesthetics of the facade, contribute to shading and ventilation properties. It responds to the site context and create a continuity of contextual language. The building proposal went from standing out isolated partition to being harmonized with site context, with particular focus on materiality and needs of the local community, to create a sense of place, while promoting environmental and social sustainability.
The city and my body supplement and define each other. I dwell in the city and the city dwells in me.” (Juhani Pallasmaa, The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses)
