DESIGN WORKSHOPS

This design workshop aimed for us to examine our experience of lockdown during the pandemic through the use of hand-drawn mapping. I chose to examine my relationship with the flora around and within my home, as I had become more aware of the non-human inhabitants dwelling around me and their roles within my living space. The second aspect of the workshop asked us to examine the map produced through ‘lenses of identity and agency’. Here, I examined how I held a place of privilege within society, as I lived in a middle-class neighbourhood, in a comfortable home, surrounded by greenery and supplemented by a large, safe, and accessible park.

This mapping process allowed me to examine my privileges and begin to think about how my upcoming design project could implement inclusive design thinking as well as provide for nonhuman inhabitants.

Seating flowing from indoor to outdoor

Flow of activity Cozy atmospheres Intertwining of environment outside and inside using glazing

Initial plans Initial programmatic strategy

This design workshop asked us to design a small cafe and accessible toilet block within the given site of the former Manchester Abattoir. This design would be the first step to revitalise this disused site and draw people to the area. This workshop was also an exercise in making quick and logical design decisions within a short period of time. The parti diagrams above demonstrate my design process in identifying the activities and atmospheres of my building.

First iteration

Second iteration Third iteration

Plan Plan Plan

The resolution process of the design is shown here. The building is separated into components, one acting as the primary cafe and eating area, and the other acts as a library and lounge area. The roofs of the buildings act as outdoor eating areas, the two connected by an outdoor staircase.

The atmosphere of the cafe and library is supplemented by natural daylighting through skylights and large windows, overall creating bright, inviting spaces.

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