Aleksandra Czekaj

In the project I have chosen for the Degree Show we were given a brief asking to design a public building, consisting of a performance space of a certain spectators' capacity, accompanied by an additional programme of our choice. The site of this project is located on Candleriggs, within the Merchant City district in Glasgow. My proposal is a cultural centre, which consist of an amateur/experimental theatre, exhibition space, flexible workshop spaces which can be adapted for teaching art and small crafts that do not require heavy equippement, library and a top-floor cafe. The overarching idea that connects all the function is the exchange – of experiences, knowledge, skills, memories – through a variety of storytelling devices – performances, art – or act of “creating” in general – formal and informal conversation. Theatre space does not have traditional rows of seats, which are replaced with wide stair-seats, that can become parts of the stage if necessary; voids, present in the exhibition and library parts of the building, as well as mostly open – and if enclosed, then glazed – spaces, allow the different parts of the building to blend one into another. Wide stair-like structure is also used through the library floors, allowing to subtly differenciate between the space of the borrowing collection and places more private, where one can sit and rest, preferably with a book. Use of light and charred wood as external and internal cladding creates a feeling of depth – on the outside, with charred wood - that draws a passer by into itself, together with a frosted glass screen that allows one to see the sillhouetes of the performers preparing for the play; light wood finish used within the interiors provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere and counteracts the large volumes of the building by its organic qualities; big factory-like windows allow a glimpse into the outside world, and vice versa – users of the building can observe the street while feeling safely enclosed. [a fragment of “There's no sea...” mural by Michal 'Sepe' Wrega has been used in the 1:50 section drawing]