Environmental Analysis

ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT THROUGH SITE ANALYSIS

The area surrounding the cathedral is well planted and renowned for its various exotic plants, especially within the Bishops Palace Walls. Building within the Palace gardens allows for a gathering space that is set naturally within the green surroundings and allows for the next step in the cathedrals future to be set within the historic ruins and natural surroundings. The Palace garden allows for the community to meet spontaneously and take a break in their busy days to enjoy the history and lush plantings. People tend to divert to awe-worthy natural settings thus making the palace walls the ideal area for the next stop on the pilgrimage of Llandaff.

DRAWING FORCES

DRAWING FORCES TO SITE

In the past there were different reasons for gatherings within the community. In the middle ages music was a key pulling force for religious gatherings. Music was either practiced at taverns or in churches, whereas today music can be accessed anywhere and at anytime. The advancements in technology means that we don’t need to gather in order to experience music. However with the rising number of elderly people within the llandaff community and loneliness increasing amongst the over 60s, a music centre which draws people in can help to ignite the community spirit and pull the community to the cathedral once-more.

COMMUNITY NEEDS

Analysing the community allows for the key features the Harmony centre requires to be highlighted. Allowing for music to be the key pulling force for the community to connect with religion can bring a diverse community together and allow for a more harmonious gathering.

DEFINING FEATURES

HISTORIC ELEMENTS

As you walk through Llandaff and take in its varied architecture, it is the work of the middle ages which stands out the most. The domineering spires and domed windows stand strong against the green natural backdrop of Llandaffs well-kept landscape. The detailed ornamentation which flows through the cathedral draws your eyes to every element which makes up the architecture. From the gargoyles on the roof to the ancient arches over the doorways, you are surrounded by the details of the past.

Using elements of the historic architecture to decorate the music centre will be a respectful way to link the contemporary addition to the historic townscape. It is vital to avoid creating a pastiche but instead to allow for a respectful link to the past.

CULLEN ANALYSIS

As you walk through the streets of Llandaff, a sense of ‘hereness’ and ‘thereness’ can be felt due to the cathedrals domineering spire, drawing you towards the heart of the area. Wherever you turn the old cobbled stones lead a path towards the historic elements which make up the town and create interest as you take in the sights. It is clear that once you are within the townscape there is much to see and experience, the patchwork quilt of architectural elements lend themselves as a reminder of the sites rich history which can evoke interest and longing to learn more about the cathedrals past. If the masses can be pulled towards the site through the form of a pilgrimage, there is no doubt that they will take time to enjoy the scenery and interesting architecture, however there needs to be a drawing force that brings them there such as renowned music centre. Furthermore the centre will focus on framing the cathedrals spire and create interest around it even when you’re at a different site by educating and exhibiting the cathedrals beauty.

JOURNEYS + PILGRIMAGE ROUTES

ROUTE THROUGH SITE

As you walk through the entrance of bishops palace you are greeted with artistic installation acting as threaded roof, drawing you towards the building

When you enter the building, you eventually journey to the stairs leading you to the wall top viewing platform.

You are then directed back to the entrance where you can exit the site and visit the cathedral after viewing it

Blue squares indicate the key built zones which you walk through to experience the building taking you on a musical journey through the building. You meander and weave through areas of the building and end up at the viewing platform on the first floor

Blue lines show the installation entrance way which creates a softer entrance to the site, allowing for a more fluid journey to the building. Atelier Yokyok, vaulted string tunnels in a Gothic cloister garden PILGRIMAGE ROUTE

The harmony centre will make up a wider pilgrimage route throughout the UK. As a future phase, it will be proposed that national music centres will be erected throughout the UK in order to connect the country and allow for movement throughout the nation. This restored pilgrimage will allow for music and faith to once again become a mainstream method of movement and will allow for

community interactions and growth as a result of tourism HARMONY CENTRE

The crowds of visitors that once took the pilgrimage were greeted with spiritual fulfilment and marvelled at the musical excellence of the cathedral through choral services, external performances and music lessons for the cathedral school. The proposal of a new Music Centre on the site of Bishop’s Palace would attract a diverse array of musical talent and provide opportunities for all, strengthening the bond of the community.