sound healing.
This project focuses on sound and how it affects our wellbeing based on what type of noise is present. The site is an underused car park in Northenden, Manchester that is neighbouring the M60 and one of the River Mersey’s weirs, whose constant noises cause high noise levels at the site. Continual exposure to such loud and unpleasant noises negatively affects our health, and the population of Northenden already has lower mental health statistics compared to other areas of Manchester.
Thus, the proposed development is a music therapy centre that produces good noise to improve the wellbeing of both humans and non-humans, in line with my atelier agenda of decentring humans and understanding the interconnectivity between all beings. My agenda also includes a focus on ecocentrism, concerning the climate crisis, so main priorities during the designing process were to sensibly maximise vegetation and to use natural materials where possible.
The development features plentiful music therapy rooms designed with comfort as a priority, demonstrated through the many acoustic control measures in place throughout the building, as well as visually pleasing spaces that exteriorly overlook the view of the river and greenery, and interiorly boast beautifully naturally sourced materials. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this proposal is the parametric façade, serving as noise control by reflecting incoming sounds, and passive solar shading through its perforations. This bold exterior is further highlighted through its continuity into other spaces of the proposal, such as the angular bird tower (a space for birds that demonstrates the interconnectivity of humans and non-humans, designed to shield birds from noise pollution and where they can produce good noises on site), bespoke triangular furniture in the reception, and the locally sourced geometric stone path leading into the music therapy centre.
