MINER’S WELFARE CENTRE

Year 4 Project

The Resolven Miners Heritage Centre project provides an opportunity to stimulate intergenerational community interaction. The project aims to preserve the coal mining history of Resolven by expressing it through the experiential qualities of the building such as lighting, materiality and structure. Allowing users to experience the atmosphere of the mines throughout the building to convey the idea of keeping history alive.

The above images show the roof light exploration within the newly introduced multifunctional theatre-library space. It will be the core of this proposal, acting as an extension of the existing Resolven library in the mornings and hosting plays and shows in the evening. This allows the largest space within the building to be used at all times of the day and not only during performances and rehearsals.

The lighting qualities of the spaces in the proposal are inspired by John Cornwell’s photographs of the mines around South Wales, capturing the essence of a forgotten time and allowing for the exploration and reconnection between future generations of Resolven with their rich history.

Acoustic and visual between lively Heritage and residential home

Sunlight heating up air

Hot air escapes

Potential drainage run-off leading to rainwater harvesting tank located at back-of-house

Potential for exposed mechanical ventilation

High pressure

Stack Ventilation: Heat rising

Low pressure

Cool air rising

Potential drainage runoff leading to rainwater harvesting tank located at back-of-house on ground floor for easy access