PORTFOLIO
FRANCIS MUSSENDEN
Selected Works 2020 - 2022
Bachelors of Arts (Hons) Architecture and Planning University of the West of England, Bristol
BRISTOL CENTRAL MOSQUE
& CULTURAL ARTS CENTRE
Lawrence Hill, Bristol, UK
Individual Project
Design Studio 4
Tutors: Jonathan Bassindale, Allison Dutoit
April 2022
“GIVING THE MINORITY, THE MAJORITY”
The project explores the concepts of community and religious culture; using the elements of social interaction and gathering to develop an interlocking cultural experience through members of the community and visitors to the site. The building is located just off the Stapleton Road high-street with a new large green boulevard situated to the South, allowing the proposal to become a focal point backdrop. Additionally, pedestrians can easily flow through and around the building at ground level.
The proposal is designed to incorporate high levels of natural light similar to traditional Mosque architecture. Taking an abstract approach to the traditional Mosque design, the main Prayer Hall is topped with a glazed pitched roof which subsequently allows for the flow of natural ventilation through the space. Alongside, the traditional Minaret “beacon” has also inspired the form of the cultural arts tower, which will be one of the tallest buildings in the area.
Pedestrian Routes
Public Activity Zones Public Green Spaces
The prosposed location for the Central Mosque and Cultural Arts Centre is situated directy off the Stapleton highstreet. It benefits from great access and foot traffic. It is aslo adjacent to the Easton Academy and the Easton Christian Family Centre, which is currently a religious and social centre for the community. This will help to create a social hub of worship and education in Bristol.
To London Paddington
To Weymouth, Portsmouth Harbour & Brighton
To Swansea
To Exeter St Davids
To Severn Beach
To Worcester Shrub Hill
Cycle Routes
Lines Transport Hubs
Building Entrance, Stapleton Road
Building as an Anchor Point
Ample Access Links to High Street Public Transport
It is argued that Islamic patterns are created to lead the viewer to an understanding of the underlying reality, rather than being merely decoration, as writers interested only in pattern sometimes imply. In Islamic culture, the patterns are believed to be the bridge to the spiritual realm, the instrument to purify the mind and the soul.
The site will also serve as an anchor point for additional development on the wider masterplan in Community A. The building will be a staple piece for the highstreet and serve as a backdrop to the park boulevard from Easton Road.
Southern Events Lawn
From Easton Road
Bus Stop
E-Scooter Parking Spot
Cambridge Central Mosque (Marks Barfield Architects) - The urban intervention of inserting a mosque capable of welcoming 1,000 worshipers within a low rise, residential neighbourhood, without dominating it, is masterful. Its presence is clear but modest, considering the size of the mosque relative to the two storey terrace houses around it. This is achieved by setting it back from the street, progressing through the Islamic garden, then gradually increasing in scale to the front portico, atrium with cafe to one side and study centre to the other, through to central ablution areas. The building then rises at the rear to the largest mass of the prayer hall, which shifts in geometry to face Mecca.
To get an understanding of the spatial awareness, the Cambirdge Central Mosque Spaces were referenced on the site to obtain an outline of the total area the proposal will consume. The mosque will acquire a large majority of the space available on the site which means the building facilities will need to be stacked in a multi-storey block.
Cafe
Area - 77m2
(Small kitchen + Sit Down Area)
Women’s Prep spaces
Area - 25m2
(Ablutuion + WCs)
Men’s Prep spaces
Area - 34m2
(Ablutuion + WCs)
Spatial Arrangement No.1
Teaching Space
Area - 50m2
(Spaces can be divided into 2 rooms)
Offices
Area - 13.5m2 (1 Office, 1 Treatment Room)
Atrium/ Foyer
Area - 110m2
(Entrance + Space for Shoes)
Main Prayer Hall
Area - 440m2
(Excludes Mothers + Children Space)
Spatial Arrangement No.2
Section A (Cultural Arts Tower)
Section B (Mosque Preparation Wing)
Entrance
Gallery/ Events Hall
- Glass Making/ Lustre Painting Workshop
- WCs
- Arts Centre Offices
- Study Hall
- Mosque Offices
2- Shoe/ Personal Belongings Store
3 - Men’s Ablution Area 4 - Men’s Common Space 5 - Men’s WCs
- Textiles Workshop Area
- Staff Room
- Facility Store
1- Main Prayer Hall (Men’s Floor)
1- Main Prayer Hall (Women’s Floor)
2- Women’s Common Space
3 - Shoe/ Personal Belongings Store
4 - Women’s Ablution Area
5 - Women’s WCs
- Ceramics Workshop Area
- Mother’s and Children Centre
- Women’s Private Courtyard
- Facility Store
Second Floor
Stapleton Road View (Cultural Arts Tower)
North Elevation
Prayer Hall (Women’s Floor)
Gallery (Events Hall)
Elevation (Stapleton Road)
Section C (Main Prayer Hall)
South Elevation (Events Lawn)
Southern Events Lawn View
Northern Courtyard View
Why Glulam Frame - Timber does not require as much material to form and mould, and assists to preserve the building’s thermal mass and overall comfortability as well. It is made from many layers, which inherently builds strength and additionally is easy to bend. A disadvantage of glulam timber is its quality. Glulam Timber is made by joining several timber pieces. If defective timber is used during production, this malfunctioning timber can cause the entire timber block to deteriorate.
Why Concrete Frame - The reduction in energy use can be up to 9% of total annual energy costs saved through the use of the thermal mass of cast-in-place concrete. When energy use is reduced, there will be a reduction in ongoing costs of the building and when there is a reduction in the use of energy, there is bound to be a reduction in the life cycle impact and life-cycle cost of the structure. This implies that a concrete structure will exhibit a better life cycle analysis when compared to steel.
Techincal Section (Mosque Preparation Wing)
THE EDGE RETREAT
Clogher Strand, Dingle, Ireland
Individual Project
Design Studio 3
Tutors: Mike Devereux, Thom Gorst
May 2021
Story Telling - A Tradition That Endures: A Love of Words
“This is their story, and I am telling it in memory of that person. I owe it to that person to keep their memory alive. “That story is that person’s gravestone.”
Bryan, M. M., O’Sullivan, V., Lenihan, E., 2020
The facility is inspired by rehabilitation. It is designed and intended for city dwellers in Ireland who are overworked and exhausted from their daily lives. This is a place where people can experience a change of scenery and be closer with the outdoors. As the Centre is surrounded by rich coastal elements such as: rocky coastlines, cliff faces and strands, residents are encouraged to spend their time outdoors. During all seasons, the facility is designed to take advantaged of the environment; carrying the aspects of the coastline indoors. Residents will learn and be able to form their stories by the changing coastal environments. The intention is for residents to share their lives before beginning their stay. The heart of the facility provides a space where guests can share with zero judgement. Smaller story telling spaces provide more inimate sharing and video diary rooms to record the residents’ progress.
Less obstruction of landscape, the building will not standout from oncoming roadways. There is direct access from upper green space on to Clogher Strand. Building to feature materials of the coastline: Living walls, stone, plaster board to represent sand and water features and floor to ceiling windows and doors on to beach. The site is additionally close to existing roadway which provides direct access to motorways and the main access point tothe strand. The building location is sheltered from western peninsula which protects again harsh winds as the site can fairly exposed to the south.
Moning sun is blocked by the cliff face to the east of the building location. Majority wll have shadow casted on the site happens during the early hours of the day. Space used during the morning will be located at the top of the building to make use of skylights. Mid day sun shines directly on building but may cause glare oooon the south face. May need tinted glazing or design modifications to diffuse sunlight. Evening sun is blocked by peninsula on the west side of building site shading roughly half the building front. Resident rooms will be there.
Concepts and Processes - Initial ideas of playing with the idea of a coastal storytelling centre, incorporating my attitude to the building and story
Attitude - For the people who are over worked and need an escape, the centre will accept all walks of life. The centre is designe around the idea of a retreat and a mental rehabilitation centre. An informal setting which would be opposite to their typical work space.
Video Diary Rooms - A creative time capsule for storytelling, the idea is for people staying at the centre to record stories when they arrive/during their stay and at the end. These will serve as a record of their experience at and display how the coast and the centre has helped them recover.
TRANSITIONAL REHABILITATION
Spatial Arrangement - The heart of the building is for public storytelling. Accessible from all areas of the building. Guests will have to pass through the area to get to other places in the centre. The mass model created was to display proportions of the buildings to the landscape around. Also to display how the natural daylight affects the facades of the buildings. The location of the buildings is situated on a cliff off the Clogher Strand. The location allows for 360 degree views of the coastal enevironment and the Dingle Peninsula mountains.
First Floor
Main Storytelling Theatre Space
The heart of the building is for public storytelling. Accessible from all areas of the building. Guests will have to pass through the area to get to other places in the facility. The heart of the building is the most important area for storytelling. A gathering point, a meeting point, a place to think and develope ideas.
A creative time capsule for storytelling, this feature is for residents at the facility to record stories when they arrive, during their stay and at the end, prior to departure. These will serve as a record of their experience at The Edge and display how the coast and the centre has helped them rehabilitate their lifes.
Video Diary Space
Located directly next to resident sleeping quartes for private meetings between a few people; These spaces are informal environments for residents to feel comfortable and safe with sharing their stories and discoveries whilst experiencing the landscape around them through wall to wall glazing.
Intimate Storytelling Space (Collection Rooms)
North Facade Perspective
South Facade Perspective
The scheme incorporates various environmental considerations. The southern facade has majorty floor to ceiling glass windows and doors to encourage solar gain, especially in the winter months. The southern face of the building incorporates cantilever overhangs which shelter the lower spaces from the harsh summer months sun. The building is designed with a green roof construction to provide natural insulation through the vegetation, creating an urban heat island. The proposal also features Passivhaus ventilation cooling cross ventilation to maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
SUMMER SUN (58o)
WINTER SUN (16o)
Water Tank
Emitted Infared Radiation
Latent Heat Flux (ET)
Cool Air from S.W.
Hot Air Out via Dome
Cool Air from S.W.
West Elevation
Passive Building Design
Primary Structure (RC Frame)
Secondary Structure (Timber Stud Walls) (Rammed Earth)
Facade (Anodized Aluminium) (Native Stone)
Fenestration (Tinted UV Resistent Glazing)
Reinforced Concrete External Wall
Rail System
Insulation
Anodized Aluminium Panels
Factors of Anodized Aluminium - Corrosion resistant, immune to UV rays; Light weight makes it cheaper and easier to transport and handle on site; Aluminium is 100% recyclable and uses only 5% of the energy used to make the original product
1- Green Roof System
- RC Slab
- HVAC System
- Anodized Aluminium Cladding
- Triple Glazing Sliding Doors
- Insulation 7 - Steel Overflashing
- Field Stone Cladding
- Planter Drainage
- Glass Rail
- Thermoblock
- Cantilever RC Slab
YEAR 4 UNDERGRAD PORTFOLIO
https://issuu.com/francis_mussenden/docs/17006700_design_studio_4_portfolio
YEAR 3 UNDERGRAD PORTFOLIO
https://issuu.com/francis_mussenden/docs/francis_mussenden_17006700_portfolio
VARIOUS WORKS PORTFOLIO
https://issuu.com/francis_mussenden/docs/portfolio_submission_francis_m.