Questioning the role of time with reference to what should be deemed temporary or permanent in the proposed building structure. Temporary - [5-10 year life span] - partitions, walls, furniture or stuff. Permanent - [ >100 years] - slabs, vertical circulation (ie. stairs, ramps, elevators), structural grid, services (washrooms, kitchenettes). There are certain functions such as these common services and utilities that will be necessary and viable over time.
"Old buildings are not ours. They belong partly to those who built them, and partly to the generations of mankind to follow us" - John Ruskin.
Understanding what approach to take when dealing with transformation on old existing buildings has been a challenge. The method believed to work best is to maintain and preserve the buildings strength, help its weaknesses, and transform without destroying any of the original integrity of the site.
Today Göteborg's Artilleristallet at Magasinsgatan is considered to be a success in its present condition; indoor and outdoor parking with a few little retail shops defining the ground floor. Many architects, designers and community members have tried to redesign the site when outdoor parking exists; hopes for a hotel, residential and commercial space, were explored however all have been unsuccessful.
My intention is to keep most of the existing character and raw charm of the site. I will introduce a new connection into the existing buildings from the existing courtyard overground parking lot, and lead people through a space where a variety of local artists and community members can partake in glass, pottery and dance workshops. These workshops are supported by an archeological dig which found historic traces of glass, pottery and brass in the ground used many years ago. Bring back the past to define the present and future is part of the overall architectural intention.
The intervention will involve transforming the existing building into a light, bright and open space for multiple art functions to occur at different times within the day. Keeping all the furniture and common services in one main string of structure, a "super- furniture" intervention piece.
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