Ampleforth Abbey

[photo taken from the Ampleforth Abbey wikipedia article]

One of my colleagues and future architectural partners has brought Ampleforth Abbey to my attention. The Benedictine monks produce cider and, just recently, cider brandy. A recent article in The Guardian newspaper went into details and had a great interview with Brother Rainer - it's well worth a read.

The monks really downplay the production, and amazingly no relating information appears on the wikipedia article for the Abbey.

Links:

http://www.abbey.ampleforth.org.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampleforth,_The_Abbey_of

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/dec/14/ampleforth-abbey-monks-cider-brandy

Briggate: Propose - Presentation Feedback 2

As predicted, my second tutorial yeilded a completely different set of comments. This time my scheme was analysed from completely the opposite end of the spectrum, picking up on many of the faults shown in the detailed floor plans.

All the comments were perfectly valid, and I intend to revisit the plans for a complete overhaul. The circulation within the building is excessive and wasteful (not just the stairs, but horizontal circulation as well) so the whole plan needs tightening up.

I now think my scheme is too far removed from the ecological/succession development that precedes the design. Whilst I'm tempted to rethink the entire scheme and design a more parasitic, organic structure, that will depend largely on time and my (more important) thesis project.

Briggate: Propose - Presentation Feedback

I saw my personal tutors yesterday regarding this work, and whilst they seemed to really like the overall vision of creating a new roof-level streetscape, they felt that the work so far didn't push the idea enough. It was too safe.

I'm inclined to agree. I made a deliberate decision to pull back from the craziness of the elevation sketch that I produced with Roger for the Redefinition stage, but have pulled back so far that my proposal is tame.

I plan to add another sheet to the presentation, which illustrates the community growth triggered by my proposed unit. Hopefully this extra sheet will demonstrate the overall vision, and add back a touch of imagination and excitement to the scheme. I will be seeing another tutor on Wednesday, so hopefully the feedback will be broadly similar (a futile hope if ever there was one)

Briggate: Propose - Presentation Sheet 4

Briggate: Propose - Presentation Sheet 3

Briggate: Propose - Presentation Sheet 2

Briggate: Propose - Presentation Sheet 1

Briggate: Propose - Initial Images

Briggate: Propose

My proposal for briggate continues the themes from the Redefinition. Of the 3 vertical planes, this proposal explores one possibility for the upper, roof-top level. To demonstrate the use of a rooftop, I am altering an existing shop unit, with a complete redesign behind the existing facade.

This unit is one of the few non-retail uses on Briggate. As we concluded that the existing retail is vital to the strength of the street, I felt it was important not to take over an actual shop. Instead, I am proposing the alteration of one of the two McDonald's restaurants, and replace it with a similar (but expanded) service.

It is important that I emphasise the vertical circulation within my refit, and demonstrate the viability of useable roof space.