This semester I developed Phase 2 of a two phase project on Edge Lane, next to the Littlewoods building, it focuses on giving back to the community and improving the image of the client – Bibby Line Group. Phase 1 included a hotel and underground car park, along with the introduction of the sunken park space, which reflects the park areas surrounding the site, such as Wavertree Park/Botanic gardens. Phase 2 continues the work on the sunken park, whilst defining its entrance, it also includes the main site attraction, the community centre, and the sports hall. I have focused on the design of the Community centre which includes a large library space, multiple workspaces as well as a very large multipurpose event space.
The sunken park includes a grassy area filled with trees which provides a space for both children to play as well as adults to walk around which promotes fresh air and the wellbeing of the users. This provides a border for the surrounding buildings to sit on, all shaped very geometrically, the variety of materials allows these to contrast with one another aesthetically whilst their cuboid shapes are very similar. This leads to the buildings contrasting further within their densities, the hotel from Phase 1 has a double layered timber baton facade which allows it to be very permeable and ‘light’. Within phase 2, density is explored further with the stone community centre having more openings on the front allowing in more light and inward views, whereas the facade facing edge lane appears more solid and dense with much smaller windows. The timber bridge weaves into and throughout the community centre, this allows users to see the contrast and juxtaposition of the elements, with the ‘lighter’ penetrating the ‘heavier’ mass, both conceptually and physically.
Portfolio and CV available upon request – Isabel.brennand@hotmail.co.uk
Gallery
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