Research and Analysis

The process of designing this space began with research around the wider Tower Hamlets, with a closer focus to Whitechapel and Bricklane. Following conversations with people from the Whitechapel and Bricklane market as well as repeated research on the historic and current uses of the site it was realised that the site no longer represents the cultural, historic identity that it once did for both the Bangladeshi and LGBTQ+ communities. Thus, immediate aim was to create and design a space for cultural and individual belonging in the heart of Bricklane, with resultant site the Old Truman Brewery.

The Old Truman Brewery already being a textile/ fabric establishment with current considerations to be repurposed as a multi-storey mall and office building proved to be the perfect location to formulate a ‘fabric/ textile home’ for the surrounding communities.

These two pages reveal the reserach, analysis and experimentation that took place in designing The Fabric City.

A - Structural axonometric of the existing Old Truman Brewery (Block F) with the addition of the six performative catwalks.This shows the initial throughts of the way the brewery was to be transformed.

B - Illustration of the Design Manifesto. It reveals the main scopes and aims the proposal is to bring such as the feelings and modes one is to undergo when visiting the Fabric City as well as the activities that are to take place in the proposal. Additionally the illustration reveals the importance of circulation where all activities and people are to interconnect and engage with each other.

C - Physical Design Manifesto. The images reveal of a template inspired by the design manifesto (image B) where when stitched together creates a simple tshirt - a garment wearable by all and undefinable. Aim of this is to metaphorically represent the actions one is to take in The Fabric City, where the garment (the tshitrt) is to become personalised and adaptable to each person.

D - Initial Site Experimentation through model and fabric making. In order to engage with the community I created a ‘room divider’ as mirrors and with fabrics and textiles bought from the community on site I created a personalised mixed garment. This was to be worn by bypassers on site and standing in-front of the mirror understand and asnwer the connection they have with themselves and their clothes/fabrics.

E - Initial Concept Sketch

Technical Analysis

A - Technical drawing of existing brick wall with shock detail for extended flooring.

B - Technical drawing of glulam wall to existing floor connection for circular walls.

C - 3D Digital model of ramp for disabled access and as an additional performative catwalk.