This project is based in North Shields and initially began as a group project focused on producing a series of public buildings with a linked function. Collaboratively, we produced an ethical framework to minimise the negative effect of the development across the five disused sites whilst enhancing the community. Considering the history of the area and the guidance of our framework, we decided the buildings should be designed around the theme of ‘Re-Use’. Subsequently, I created a design brief for an up-cycling centre aiming to re-purpose the waste generated from the local fish quay into products that are made and sold within the building constructed from reclaimed materials found in the area.
The project taught me the importance of utilising the opportunities that a site can provide and how important it is to tailor the building to the location. Through comprehensive research and site visits, I gained an understanding of the area's history. Re-purposing the existing building on site to provide work and business opportunities to the community suited the demographic. The building was to emphasise the unique beauty of the half-demolished warehouse, creating a deliberate contrast that showcased the potential for new opportunities on the site.
