Degree

Honours Project - Site

For the Honours Project in Semester 2 you will be changing an existing building or space chosen by you. An initial Site Analysis report will be prepared during Semester 1, culminating in a design brief for the project. Site options need to be approved by the teaching staff in the second week of Semester 1, before the Site Analysis begins.

The Design stage of the project is a sustained design project to alter an existing building or space to give it new meaning and/or a new use.  It can take some time to find the right site and to find information about it, so you are asked to start thinking now of possible sites.

To help guide you we will be working on the theme of Use - Disuse - Reuse

You will need to be make a short Powerpoint presentation of site options and possible projects in September.

 Initially this will be a vetting process to see if sites chosen are suitable. As well as your favoured option you should have two or three alternative options. Presentations should be simple; a few photographs and some key points about the site eg some history, why you think it’s good, what are the problems etc. Drawings are also useful, even your own sketches.

 Some questions and points regarding site identification and analysis:

What is the potential for change?

Choose sites that have interesting qualities and offer potential for conversion, remodeling and reinventing. Although most sites are likely to be buildings it is not essential to have a traditional four-walled enclosure. A space that is partially enclosed but offers the possibility of full enclosure eg a railway arch or underpass, can make a very successful conversion project. It is also acceptable to take on smaller part of a larger building, eg an airport lounge, and remodel that in the context of the whole.

Where should the site be?

Your site can be anywhere, but bear in mind that you will be doing the project during term time. Once you are back in September it may not be easy to return home to get information, drawings etc. Sites in or near Preston are preferred but. It is appreciated that many of you don’t live near to the city so if you are opting for a site far away then you will need to do good preparatory work this summer.

What do I need to look for?

Things to consider might include: connection between inside and outside space, heights and volumes of internal space, quality of light, derelict spaces with potential, the history of the site and its context.

Beware of sites that are too big - You will need to judge in the first instance if a site presents too big a challenge. Large sites can be interesting and impressive but resolving circulation and planning issues may take a disproportionate amount of time. Smaller sites are often more interesting because you can deal with detail issues more easily

It is preferable if your site gives scope for variations in level eg multiple storeys, it makes for a more interesting project and gives you chance to demonstrate complex planning abilities.

What is needed for the start of the year?

Find a few possible options for sites and collect information in the form of photographs, sketches, notes and, if possible, drawings. Compile these into a simple Powerpoint presentation lasting no more than 3 minutes.

If you want to email suggestions to me over Summer I am happy to look at them and get back you with thoughts, please bear in mind that during holiday season you might not get an immediate reply.