Some Final Images...

Original Conceptual Diagram: Re-assembly of a Fractured City















The images below help to give an idea of the final developed form in context, and an indication of internal quality. Keeping with the initial concept of a fragmented society, and creating a scheme that can begin to suggest reform, the building is a violent and dramatic addition to the street.

Bradford has had a number of traumas and clashes through the years, this proposal creates a metaphorical symbol for this and highlights the need for communities to fuse together. Simultaneously 'the Annex' brings a valuable addition to the City's redevelopment, and expansion on links to the Film industry.

View to Scheme from Ivegate...





















Approach to Central Space...























Main Projection Space...

Model 7:

Resolution of ongoing issues led to the steel frame to become separate for the two elements (retained facade = exposed frame, roof structure = hidden frame) with a concrete shear wall passing through visually connecting them together. All surfaces (internal and external) use the same panelling system, so the brickwork is treated as a cladding.
North lights have been inserted into the scheme, these would house an integrated blind system that would allow full flexibility of the space in the future.
Areas for potential solar panels are shown in dark blue. Attached to the brick panel roofing, these have been calculated to be of a sufficient number to power all electricity internally as its current use of a museum. They are strategically placed so as to not be affected by surrounding buildings.

Model 6:

An initial attempt to tackle some of the structural issues surrounding the project (only lower roof area explored here). It is clear that much greater support is required for the retained facade, which needs to feel more integral to the building itself. It also needs to be more restrained so as to not compromise stability.

The frame itself has been simplified, reducing awkward junctions, but still reads as multiple crashing elements, which is vital to the conceptual vision.

Model 5:

Experimentation of introducing a drainage strategy, collected grey water would be held above the internal core element for use within the scheme. Utilising the need for the roof to reflect an internal gradient works well alongside this approach. All roof fragments work together to drain to the lowest point, with varying angles to meet the original concept of fragmented chaos, avoiding rigid order.

Model 4:

Further exploration into the roof structure, assessing the possibilities and relationships with its surroundings. In particular I wanted this model to establish how the rear exit integrated with the city, as visitors leave the building and find themselves in Bradford's shopping district. Here, the bold roof structure becomes the wall element and is the only point where it meets ground, this exit emphasising the dramatic form.
The existing connecting route is to be maintained, users find themselves using a route that is almost integral to the scheme.

Model 3:

Model experiment of basic structural ideas, testing complex roof system. Only half model is shown to give full understanding of the proposal in sectional view.

Model 2:

Rationalisation of previous model, working now with strip like elements. Converting conceptual ideas and creating a feasible interpretation, whilst retaining its previous character and emotion eliciting essence.

Model 1:

First attempt to model entire scheme. Entirely arranged to create a desired internal environment (almost cinematic, taking reference from expressionist film of distorted, metaphorical environments). Each 'fragment' is at this stage representational of a 'piece' of Bradford. The building will be constructed using elevation elements of the city, taken from key streets of the 2001 riot.
This attempt showed itself to still be a bit too conceptual, and far too large for the site. In need of restraint without being overly controlled...

Working Proposition:

Photographic Study: The Primary Streets of the Riot 2001

Mapping the 2001 Riot : Route, Event, Destruction

This image attempts to show and explain the direction and route of the 2001 Bradford riot. Displaying the main streets affected, and locations of major incidents. Although the rioting continued into the night and police pushed the mob towards residential Manningham, I have chosen to concentrate specifically on the triggers of the event in the city centre.

First Hand Disorder Experience : EDL Demo, Leeds

The English Defense League (EDL) and opposing United Against Fascism (UAF) both held rival demonstrations in Leeds yesterday (31st October). I was present to witness events unfold and observe how the Police managed the situation and any disturbance that occured. The WYP were out in very large numbers, and managed to contain disturbance to relatively low level, isolated incidents.

Riot : As Emotional Response

German Expressionist Cinema

The influence that this era had on the world of cinema as we know it is undeniable. Having both artistic and political dimensions, the stories are conveyed through subjective emotional elements reflected in the set design. I am particularly interested in what I can extract from these early cinematic ideas when creating my brief and building form.

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari 1919
Thought to be the first horror film, uses distinctive distorted perspectives as both a reflection of the splintered character and as symbolic emphasis as the plot develops.

Metropolis 1929

Fritz Langs big budget masterpiece has heavy symbolic architectural references. Its story of the bleak capitalist society frequently contrasts rich vs poor with visual grandeur.

Not all Doom and Gloom...

Bradford wins Unesco City of Film award

The West Yorkshire city has trumped Los Angeles, Cannes and Venice to win the UN honour

www.guardian.co.uk, Friday 12 June 2009 00.17 BST

The world's first City of Film will be announced by Unesco today, with the honour going unexpectedly to Bradford.

Although Los Angeles, Cannes and Venice might have been considered shoo-ins for the title, the Yorkshire city has got there first with a bid based on classics such as Room at the Top and the latest work of British Bollywood.

Although it is better known for its textile heritage, Bradford nonetheless has a long tradition of film-making, built with the help of its striking landscape and local acting talent, including Billie Whitelaw and Tony Richardson. The successful bid has been powered by the National Media Museum, the most visited museum outside London, whose move to Bradford in 1983 was a turning point in the city's regeneration.

Brief Intro to Project....

7th July 2001

An intense riot occurred that would sadly live on and be remembered, becoming an automatic association with the already fractured City.
Confrontation had been rife across much of Northern England, with the National Front's organised marches. David Blunkett had banned the march, but with trouble expected hundreds still gathered in Centenary Square, along with the Anti Nazi League counter demonstration. The situation soon spiralled out of control, and the police became the target of the conflict...

Two stabbed as race riot flares in Bradford

www.telegraph.co.uk
By Danielle Demetriou
Published: 12:01AM BST 08 Jul 2001

RACIAL violence flared in Bradford last night as riot police clashed with youths leaving two people stabbed and 18 arrested.

Groups of white and Asian youths pelted police with bricks, stones, bottles and road signs, injuring an officer attempting to restore order in the city. The clashes began after a group of white youths shouted racial insults at a crowd of about 500 mostly Asian men who were protesting against the National Front.

As the violence escalated and spread from the city centre, two men were stabbed, pub windows shattered, cars set alight and petrol bombs hurled at police.

While the day started without incident, the protest descended into violent chaos after a group of white youths taunted demonstrators with racial comments as they left a pub. Hundreds of officers and a police helicopter were sent to help to restore order and monitor the spread of violence as clashes spread away from the city centre.

Violence later spread to the Manningham district of Bradford, as police cleared the city centre after three hours of unrest. Burning barricades were set up and youths hurled petrol bombs as officers on horseback charged the crowd in a bid to contain the violence. Police arrested 10 white men, a white woman and seven Asian men during the violence.