By Pranjal Maheshwari

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Connection to Harringay Warehouse District

The ‘Artware House’ aims to create a physical space for the local community and stand as the embodiment and guard to the unique power of the Harringay Warehouse District as an antidote to gentrification. A community of self-employed artists, makers and musicians, all belonging to different backgrounds and nationalities, provides the area with a unique power dynamic. The design forms a backdrop to all the activities it hosts- the canvas for the artist’s colors, the instrument of the musician. It firmly depicts the unity and strength of the district and at the same time incorporates creativity and freedom.

Proposal Outline

The ‘Artware House’ aims to create a physical space used predominately by the local community and to stand as the embodiment and guard to the unique power of the Harringay Warehouse District as an antidote to gentrification. The community at Harringay comprises of self-employed artists, makers and musicians, all belonging to different backgrounds and nationalities, providing the area with a unique power dynamic. The proposal borrows the basic shape of the ‘warehouse’ to create modular timber units which are replicated in various sizes and arranged in different orientation across the site-a form born from clash of differences, standing firm.
The design forms a backdrop to all the activities it hosts- the canvas for the artist’s colours, the instrument of the musician. It firmly depicts the unity and strength of the district and at the same time incorporates the way of life of its people, who enjoy creativity and freedom. The main structure is made of timber boards supported by a steel frame enclosing just enough space to direct the user and leaving the rest open to the surrounding context. It can be reconfigured easily by the residents- randomly if they like it or to a particular design if they want so. The enclosure will mould itself according to the type of ambience required by the event- be it a soothing musical performance, an enchanting play or simply an informal gathering.
The part of the structure facing the Eade Road is covered with canvas designed and painted by the residents. It will be subjected to a variety of changes and replacements (maybe they will stitch many different clothes into a work of art!). The artworks on the canvas will be the message of the residents of Harringay to the 18000 vehicles that will pass it daily. The cut-outs left on the site by the structure will be used as a market space, or as an informal extension to the pavilion with the necessary provisions in the canvas.
Walking out from the structure onto the Seven Sisters Road, cruciform columns would be arranged. ‘Cruciform columns’ are steel columns in the shape of a cross (+) made by joining four angled-sections through welding or screws. Flat or more angled steel members will be screwed onto these columns to create a framework for more canvases- this time as a metaphor to the bearer of artwork ranging from painting to photography, from collage to embroidery- maybe for display, maybe for sale. Various competitions and workshops will be running within the pavilion, whose end products could be showcased on this path. The structure and its placement are easily adaptable and flexible to the occasion and function.
Cuboidal frames made out of steel (0.5×0.5×1 m and 0.5×0.5×0.5 m) will be used in the interior for hosting displays, installations (or maybe as installations themselves!) and with padding, even as seats.
Any of the components used in the design can be made or replaced with anything already available with the residents like used racks, pieces of timber, etc.