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2022
Study Hall, Adaptive Reuse Project Proposal
Higher Ormond St, M15 6BG, Manchester
Study Hall, Adaptive Reuse Project Proposal
Higher Ormond St, M15 6BG, Manchester
‘The project as modification tells us that each situation offers a specific truth, to be sought and revealed as the essence of the goal, and as the truth of both the site and the geography that embodies that site’s particular history’*
The reuse of an existing building is not only to provide the connection between the future, but it also builds a strong bond between the past, present and future. The existing building ensures that the users have the opportunity to experience the past while standing middle of the today; once again the possible of the past becomes the future of the present.
The analysis of the building shows the layers of life experiences and most importantly, gives designers or architects an idea as to what is needed.
The building becomes a puzzle waiting to be solved by the designer is studying it.
The reuse of existing buildings gives architects and users the oportunity to read the narrative behind the building and listen to a new conversation between the past, present and future.
There is a numberless method for adapting buildings that adds more perspective.
As a team, we were trying to hear the story, and thereby seek to create the strongest bond between the times of the building.
The Righton building is located in the Grosvenor square(All Saints area), at the junction between Cavendish street and Upper ormond Street. It is a grade II listed heritage building along with the School of Art building, the Bellhouse building and the Ormound building.
The building was originally constructed in the year 1905 and designed as a draper’s shop by W&G Higginbottom architects for William Righton. In 1959, the building’s new owner Till & kennedy used it as a showroom. In 1969 it was taken over by the Manchester Corporation and now houses educational facilities under the Manchester Metropolitan University.
The reuse of an existing building is not only to provide the connection between the future, but it also builds a strong bond between the past, present and future. The existing building ensures that the users have the opportunity to experience the past while standing middle of the today; once again the possible of the past becomes the future of the present.
The analysis of the building shows the layers of life experiences and most importantly, gives designers or architects an idea as to what is needed.
The building becomes a puzzle waiting to be solved by the designer is studying it.
The reuse of existing buildings gives architects and users the oportunity to read the narrative behind the building and listen to a new conversation between the past, present and future.
There is a numberless method for adapting buildings that adds more perspective.
As a team, we were trying to hear the story, and thereby seek to create the strongest bond between the times of the building.
The Righton building is located in the Grosvenor square(All Saints area), at the junction between Cavendish street and Upper ormond Street. It is a grade II listed heritage building along with the School of Art building, the Bellhouse building and the Ormound building.
The building was originally constructed in the year 1905 and designed as a draper’s shop by W&G Higginbottom architects for William Righton. In 1959, the building’s new owner Till & kennedy used it as a showroom. In 1969 it was taken over by the Manchester Corporation and now houses educational facilities under the Manchester Metropolitan University.
*Stone, S., 2022. My MMU. [Online]
Available at: file:///C:/Users/22566165/OneDrive%20, %20MMU/Downloads/Concepts%20rewriting%20the%20Righton%201.pdf
Ground Floor
Basement Plan
First Floor
Roof Floor
The Righton building was designed with a certain rhythm in form that could be easily captured at first look. The desgin intervention aims to retain this rhythm and adapt the form it takes in the redesign.
The original building was used as a draper’s showroom and to retain this significant memory of the building, the design imitates the same interwoven form that fabric takes but with the use of printed glass on the facade of the building, giving it the impression of woven fabric running along the redesigned portions of the Righton.
The original building was used as a draper’s showroom and to retain this significant memory of the building, the design imitates the same interwoven form that fabric takes but with the use of printed glass on the facade of the building, giving it the impression of woven fabric running along the redesigned portions of the Righton.
The design of a building can significantly affect its functionality, utility, and aesthetic appeal. One example is a building with a central glass roof and amphitheatre-style stairs. Incorporating these elements can transform an otherwise ordinary space into a unique, interactive, and dynamic environment.
The central glass roof is a critical element that contributes to the bright and airy atmosphere of the building. It allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a pleasant and inviting environment conducive to work, relaxation, and socialisation. The glass roof also provides a sense of openness and connection with the outside world, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces.
The amphitheatre-style stairs are another critical feature that enhances the building's functionality and appeal. Designed in a projection, these stairs serve as a focal point for the luminous space created by the glass roof. They provide a place for people to gather and interact, facilitating communication and collaboration. The stairs' unique design also adds a visual element of interest and intrigue to the building's overall aesthetic.
Moreover, the installation of the amphitheatre-style stairs transforms the previously underutilised basement into a functional and versatile space. Traditionally designated for storage or technical facilities, the basement now serves a more functional purpose, becoming a space that can be used for various activities. Repurposing this space increases the building's utility and maximises the available square footage, making the most of the building's resources.
Overall, the incorporation of a central glass roof and amphitheatre-style stairs can significantly enhance the functionality, usability, and aesthetic appeal of a building. Creating a bright and inviting atmosphere, providing a space for people to gather and interact, and repurposing underutilised spaces can transform a building into a dynamic and multifunctional environment that serves its occupants' needs and desires.
