About the final project
The brief
There was no specific brief for the final project. We had to create our own brief which
would best represent what kind of design we want to be involved in and which would best
present of our interests, designing abilities and technical skills.
For my Final Project I wanted to design an interesting and original space which would
allow me to be really creative, conceptual and to apply a contemporary approach to
interior design. I wanted to utilize multidisciplinary fields by using different media and new
technologies in the process of designing spaces. I decided that an Art Centre would be the
perfect kind of public space to design. I wanted to explore unusual forms in an imaginative
way, breaking the barriers between architecture, interior design and art. It was a real
intellectual challenge as I had to consider so many different factors. Starting with planning
issues, structures and strategies, through to the needs of the community, and finally
focusing on design process which included converting the use of the building, redesigning
the building's exterior and creating a detail design of the interiors.
Idea
I was looking for some interesting context when a friend, who was studying urbanism, told
me about Fish Island – a really interesting area in east London with a large community of
artists.
About the site
Fish Island is an industrial area situated south of Hackney Wick and east of Old Ford.
It is bounded by the river Lea and Hertford Union Canal. It was previously occupied by
factories now is dominated by waste disposal and recycling facilities, wholesale and
distribution warehouses along with a few offices.
A number of vacant properties have fallen into disrepair so the Council has permitted
their conversion to loft apartments. A large community of artists are living in the area in
live /work art studios. They have brought the soul back to the abandoned and dilapidated
neighbourhood by organizing art markets, exhibitions and concerts.
Problem
The proximity of the Olympic Site on the opposite bank of the river has heightened
the islands appeal with the probability that some or all of the area may be regained
for regeneration developments. This would probably force all the artists to move away
thereby would destroying the unique ambiance that they had managed to create.
Solution
As a solution I proposed establishing an official Art Centre on Fish Island.
I wanted to build a centre which would save local artists from being relocated from their
existing site due to the regeneration developments. By establishing a building for their
artistic activities I wanted to help them to organise themselves as an art organisation/
institution which was locally active and useful to the rest of the community.
