University of Bath Architecture Annual 2015

Page 87

S U P ER M AR E Jakub Ryng “Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” - Socrates

ST U DIO 4 .5

| B S c A rc h ite c t ure

‘Super Mare’ is Latin for ‘above the sea’. Building on the precedent of the seaside observation tower, this scheme combines a one-of-a-kind visitor’s experience with a purpose-designed factory for hot air balloons and paragliders located right in the city centre, on the coastline of Weston-super-Mare. In addition to challenging the existing urban model of manufacturing facilities being restricted to the peripheries of towns, the building also explores hitherto undiscovered ways of viewing the city and the surrounding regions. By offering height, the scheme opens up previously unseen aerial visions of the world, much like the early balloons, which first gave humanity the spectacular, but also humbling angel’s eye view of ourselves.

From top: Exploded isometric, perspective section, exterior view of west elevation, exterior view of entrance

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