Vision/Brief

Metamorphosis passes on the memory of the planet to future generations by providing the opportunity to subjectively experience the fundamental skills of ancestors and convert them into knowledge. This learning and sharing experience is achieved through engaging in diverse on-site activities, which are selected to highlight Birmingham’s different stages of development. Thus, the project proposes innovative industry development for researching sustainable manufacturing and construction in Birmingham. Alteration of the landscape is designed to bring people closer to the river – the roots of traditional human settlement. It helps to control flooding and remediate the soil on the site.

The project proposes two approaches to create buildings and spaces that are not only sustainable but also actively contribute to the health and well-being of occupants and the natural environment Experimental part aims to create self-sustaining ecosystems that can support themselves and the surrounding environment. The reused building aims to eliminate waste and promote the use of renewable resources.

Therefore, the design of construction and position of the experimental building is meant to resemble the Forest of Arden. ‘Metamorphosis’ construction is designed to grow onsite - starting with soil remediation and tree planting forming fundamental columns, the next step involves building the exoskeleton using growing trees and mycelium. Finally, the filler spaces inside the exoskeleton are designed to be adaptive and replaceable if needed. ‘Metamorphosis’ represents the adaptation of Birmingham to constant change and development, which led to its blossoming, bringing Birmingham closer to its utopian idea of the butterfly.