#Blog 10 Performance of Senses

#Blog 10

Performance of Senses

In the following studio class, we engaged in a discussion about integrating and combining everyone’s ideas into a collaborative sheet that captures the performance of all senses, including touch, feel, hearing, vision, mind, and body. So, we were a team of 6 people, Myself, Gladis, Umran, Usman, Zara and Foad. We planned to rework on the entire site as we are a big team and also Fratton community centre needed us.

Site Analysis

As a team, we visited the site Fratton Community Centre and found the space was actually used by all age groups so it should be redesigned based on the usage of the people. It was located on Trafalger Pl, Fratton, Portsmouth. We drew the layout of the space and also did the site analysis as well. It serves as a central hub for local residents, offering a diverse range of facilities and activities. The centre is open daily, with operating hours varying throughout the week.They have facilities like the gym, sports hall, function room, pre school nursery, The centre hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including music sessions, sports, social groups, church gatherings, and fitness classes. It also provides services such as a café, and wheelchair accessibility. Situated in the Fratton area of Portsmouth, the centre is easily accessible by public transport and offers parking facilities for visitors.

Material Ecology: Transforming the Fratton Community Centre

The concept of material ecology offers a powerful framework for reimagining the Fratton Community Centre as a space that embodies sustainability, creativity, and community engagement. By reusing, repurposing, and upcycling materials, the centre can be transformed into an environmentally conscious hub that reflects the spirit of the community while minimizing waste and resource consumption. Salvaged furniture, like old chairs, tables, and cabinets, can be refinished or reassembled to create eclectic, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each item would carry its own history, adding character to the space. Old windows and doors can be transformed into partitions, decorative elements, or even pergolas, echoing the creative use seen in Turtle Bay. Utilize mismatched tiles or reclaimed wood for flooring to create a patchwork design that is both unique and sustainable. Blend antique pieces with contemporary designs, ensuring the space retains a connection to its roots while appealing to modern sensibilities. Encourage the local community to donate unused furniture, materials, or objects, turning the renovation process into a collaborative effort. Invite community members to participate in workshops where they can help refurbish or repurpose materials for the center.

After working on our individual designs, we collaborated to incorporate everyone’s ideas into a unified concept, with each person contributing by designing separate spaces within the project.

The verbs we derived from Richard Serra, such as collect, gather, mix, group, inlay, assemble, and combine, interconnected seamlessly, reflecting the evolution of our project as a group effort. 

Discussion on the plan of the site

Working on our working drawing

The end design outcome

Nestled in the heart of Portsmouth, the Fratton Community Center stands as a symbol of unity and growth. Our redesign project envisions transforming this space into a vibrant, sustainable hub that promotes community spirit, well-being, and connection. We tried to incorporate design on each part of the community centre using our group's involvement on,

Cafe
The cafe will feature furniture crafted from reclaimed wood and energy-efficient lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Indoor plants will enhance air quality and bring a touch of nature, while large windows will maximize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The furniture's used  in the cafe are upscaled ones from the charity zone.

Courtyard
At the center of our design is a green oasis, enriched with native plants and trees that provide shade and beauty. Interactive features, such as a community garden and seating areas, will encourage social interaction and relaxation.

Entrance
The entrance will serve as a welcoming gateway, blending modern and traditional textures. Sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled metal will define the space, while vibrant murals reflecting local culture will greet visitors.

Corridor
The corridor will offer a journey through sensory experiences, with textured walls and floors that engage the sense of touch. Skylights will enhance natural light, and optimized ventilation will ensure comfort.

Meeting Rooms
Designed for flexibility and functionality, the meeting rooms will feature movable walls and renewable-material furniture. Enhanced lighting and ventilation will create a comfortable setting for various activities.

Outdoor Shed
The shed will showcase sustainability, constructed from recycled materials and featuring a charity zone. It will serve as both a storage space and a demonstration of eco-friendly building practices. The space has workshop activities happening and also a space for recycling. 

Washroom
Washrooms will prioritize water-saving fixtures and sustainable materials. Maximized natural light and ventilation will create a pleasant, hygienic environment.

Green Spaces
Integrated green spaces throughout the center will promote relaxation and environmental awareness. These areas will support local wildlife and provide educational opportunities about sustainability.

Interactive and Enlivened Spaces
Interactive installations and art pieces will breathe life into the spaces, fostering community engagement and creativity.

Sustainability
Every element of the redesign prioritizes sustainability, from eco-friendly materials to energy-efficient systems.

Textures and Human Senses
A variety of textures, from smooth bamboo to rugged reclaimed wood, will create a rich sensory experience. The design will engage all human senses, from the scent of courtyard flowers to the tactile feel of textured corridors.

Unified and Interactive Spaces
The layout will ensure a cohesive flow, connecting communal seating, shared gardens, and collaborative art spaces.

Cultural Harmony and Visual Highlights
Local culture and history will be celebrated through murals, sculptures, and other visual elements, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Light and Ventilation
Natural light will be maximized across the center, reducing energy consumption and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Optimal ventilation will ensure a healthy and comfortable environment.

Renewable and Adaptive Spaces
The redesign incorporates spaces that are adaptable and renewable, allowing for future growth and flexibility.

Waste Management
Efficient waste management systems, including recycling stations and composting areas, will be implemented to support sustainability goals.

This redesign will transform the Fratton Community Center into a vibrant, sustainable space that meets the community’s needs while celebrating its unique character and history.

Based on the inspirations from Vibrant matter By Jane Bennett, Richard Serra's verb list, Designing Emotion Methods, Visual Thinking by Temple Grandin and Strategies for Designers Mareike Roth and Oliver Saiz. 

THE END VISUALIZATION

This redesign will transform the Fratton Community Center into a vibrant, sustainable space that meets the community’s needs while celebrating its unique character and history.