Redefining Crewe: Heritage as Civic Landscape
My work explores how existing heritage sites can be reactivated as generous civic spaces for learning, gathering and everyday public life. In my final year project, Crewe Heritage Centre, I questioned whether railway heritage should remain a static museum experience, and instead proposed an open civic landscape where exhibition, education, workshop activity and community use are brought together.
I am interested in architecture that is rooted in place but able to support future change. My design process begins with close observation of movement, thresholds, public access, environmental conditions and material character. From these readings, I develop spatial strategies that aim to make buildings more legible, inclusive and socially active.
The project also reflects my interest in the relationship between design concept and technical resolution. Timber structure, rooflights, clerestory daylight, passive ventilation, rainwater reuse, green roof strategy and locally responsive materials were used to connect architectural atmosphere with environmental performance. Through this work, I have developed a stronger interest in adaptive reuse, civic architecture and sustainable design, as well as the practical process of translating ideas into drawings, models, details and buildable proposals.
