Tech-Tan Complex - Where Tradition meets innovation in Cumbria's Leather Scene
Tech Tan complex is a proposal which seeks to address concerns around the future of animal welfare and health in Cumbria. The topic of animal welfare was discovered through analysing local policy documents and overlaying findings, to discover common themes.
The logic consists of bio-fabricating leather - like growing meat in a laboratory but with leather. The simplified reasoning for this is to add speculation to a world in which we can meet the increasing demands for animal related products, without having to breed more livestock to meet the demand. If we can reduce the quantity of livestock required, then we can reduce the quantity of diseases, feeding and space concerns that are affecting the livestock.
The complex itself consists of 3 buildings, systematically positioned based on requirements for the proposed typology. Amongst this, it hosts a unique visitor experience – showcasing the process of automated leather production, from carcass processing to distribution.
The location of Ambleside has been chosen as policy analysis highlighted this and its surrounding area as a key area of development going forward. Further to this, South Lakeland hosts a long-standing tradition in the leather production scene, so locating Tech – Tan complex in Ambleside is an opportunity to celebrate its tradition, by introducing innovation.
Throughout this thesis, I was exposed to a new style of workflow. One that required collecting vast amounts of data, then using strategic analysis to summarise the data into simplified diagrams. By using my skills to interpret and recreate the diagrams, my outlook on what is architecture and the effect it can have on different industries shifted.
Tech Tan complex is a thesis project with more depth than 300 words allows. It goes beyond a spatial proposition, so be sure to contact me if you wish to hear more about this system and my experiences.
