Archipelago of Tranquillity
How can architectural interventions celebrate, at first glance, inhospitable environments?
Two main interrupting fragments of the site: Mancunian Way and Mayfield’s viaduct create a rushing and loud environment that results in a dissociative society. This phased proposal aims to create a state of change and regenerate a low-value site with short interventions of quietness which foster a sense of place and belonging.
Phase one subtly tells a story of natural Mayfield. Using temporary sound installations, it invites to take action by mapping tranquil spaces around Manchester using a QR code and forming the Tranquil City Archipelago.
Phase two opens the disrupted area with bridge structures and allows to experience the city extraordinarily by taking new routes and discovering unseen viewpoints by walking and observing the wider city.
Phase three inhabits the loud environment by creating a physical border that absorbs the noise. At this stage, Mayfield’s Physiotherapy Centre takes form and creates a physical boundary from the motorway. The proposal is comprised of dynamic spaces for active moving, physiotherapy consultation rooms, a bathing area, and a sheltered inner garden that would have restorative effects. The proposal is narrated to be therapeutic and help us to connect with surroundings as we also connect more deeply with ourselves.
