Corah Works - Industrial Urban Farming
When selecting a site for my final thesis, I found the C20 Society’s website featuring the headline “Conversion not demolition urged for Leicester factory,” which led me to the Corah textile factory due to its historical significance to Leicester. The Corah factory and hosiery industry were central to Leicester’s economy, employing thousands and making the city a leader in knitwear and hosiery production in the 19th and 20th centuries. As one of Leicester’s largest employers, Corah shaped local livelihoods and fostered a sense of community through social clubs and welfare programs. Given its historical value, the factory should be preserved and repurposed rather than demolished.
In response to housing demand and a government scheme, I chose to convert the factory into residential housing based on three strategies: CELL, EDGE, and FARMING. The CELL strategy focuses on retaining the factory’s key features, like its steel frame structure and façade, while adding a new roof aligned with the original framework. The EDGE strategy introduces “inhabited walls” for essential spaces, freeing up room for social areas. Finally, the FARMING strategy integrates urban farming, creating communal gardens for residents, and enhancing the community spirit.
