Project Description: Design Project 2, BArch University of Nottingham

Date: January 2013

Project Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom

Studio: Year 2, Unit 1A 2013-2014

Tutors: Alisdair Russel, Stuart Buckenham  (Design Mentors)

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Abstract

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Sheffield is well-known for its bespoke manufacturing and strong cultural identity. It has a heritage of Bespoke Manufacturing and Industrial Design and continues to work with artisan led small scale steel manufacturing and creative industry whether it be cutlery or the manufacture of bespoke bicycle frames or its many innovations in electronics. Kelham Island, where the project is located, is a unique place with such characteristics, however, the Industry continues almost hidden and apologetic sandwiched between slices of gentrification. 

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As a result, our primer client for this project were the Little Mesters, a network of craftspeople working out of small rented workshops. Their reputation is one of skilled work and quality products. The goal of this project was to work along with third year students so as to provide a jointly design a live/work community. Third years students would design a public guild hall where second year students including myself would design 9 live/work units for the Little Mesters.

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The shape and form of the building was influenced both by the surrounding environment with its brick chimneys but also from the shape and form of the third year students’ guild hall that I collaborated with. Internally, each unit is divided into different zones for different services. Ground floor constitutes a semi public zone with blacksmiths workshops and two main corridors - one public for pedestrians and one private for Blacksmiths own use in-between their workshops-. The living unit is place above. 

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Please click on the thumbnails below to view the rest of the project.

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