Rochester's Craft and Design Centre
Module:
Urban
Year:
2017 - Third Year
Location:
Rochester, Kent
Located in the historic town of Rochester, Kent, this was the final location for the third year design project. The brief set out a main body of accommodation of spaces which were required for the design. This consisted of a large flexible space to be used mainly for the use as a market, and a variety of different live/work spaces.
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The main aim for the design of this scheme was to create a new urban space for the community to learn and work. Linking to its historic industries of the arts and crafts the aim was to create a centre to teach the once forgotten crafts and revive the industry back to Rochester, to help boost the economy for the area. With a very low percentage of those with university degree qualifications the Design & Craft centre would aim to provide a place in which those not receiving higher education could learn a new craft to start and sell their own products.
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The high street of Rochester is filled with small businesses and the Design centre would provide an exhibition space for those working within with many extruded windows, almost creating a variety of shop windows to those walking past the building.
“The Uk’s creative industries are a veritable powerhouse that contributes to more than £8 Million an hour to the national economy”.
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Rochester’s Craft and Design centre will promote the advancement of education of the public in contemporary visual craft and design. The development of artistic understanding and participation from both those working within the centre as well as with the rest of the community will encourage the unique crafts to thrive and grow within Rochester, creating a new industry for those living in the historic market town.
“Design is a fundamental activity relevant and useful to everyone”.
With a combination of private and public studio spaces, Rochester’s Craft and Design centre is perfect for those aiming to start their own business and sell their product.
“Opportunities don't happen, you create them”.
Whether it be from the High Street or Station, all those passing by or coming to the Centre are greeted with with Rochester’s Craft and Design Centre. The multiple windows of the centre give a hint of the creativity happening within, from ceramic displays to stained glass windows. Creating a new high street on Corporation Street you are met with the different combinations of the past, present and future.
“Art, Freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics”. - V Pinchuk
Once you have learnt to perfect your new craft the design centre will act as an exhibition space. Exhibit your works within the studio shopfront windows as well as selling your product within Rochester’s Craft and Design Market. With a new shop frontage on Corporation street it allows the maximum amount of potential to selling your products from those passing by the Historic Town with the view of the centre from the railway station.
