By NIKO EDWARDS
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Connection to Harringay Warehouse District
“Plant Cell” is the cultural activities center of Harringay warehouse district and a gateway to understanding the local culture. It showcases an open, inclusive attitude. The multi-functional space connects local communities while promotes cultural exchange and understanding between the regions. Through reviewing existing circumstances, considering future sustainable development and reserving historical signs, a new residential design idea with reference to local history is born. As art injects new vitality and introduces a brand-new spiritual outlook, the cultural inheritance is still retained. Plant cell acts as a medium between the warehouse and historical buildings to offer insight for sustainable historical reconstruction.
Proposal Outline
Appearance explanation:
“Plant cell” is a living organism with warmth and vitality. The appearance of the building is inspired by the living status of the warehouse area and the site environment. The shape of the cuboid is a derivative of the warehouse’s architectural form. Each connected but independent room symbolizes the space independence and regional connection of the warehouse area. The supporting walls follow the structure of the plant cell wall, and each cell symbolizes the unity and strength of the residents of the warehouse area. Due to the permeability created by the structure, the green plants behind can be seen in the space in front. The sight, therefore, can be shuttled freely in the space to achieve an experience that the vision arrives before the body.
Construction materials:
The architecture is composed of a main body of cuboid and several movable wooden cubes to achieve the function of switching different spatial attributes. Used materials are considered from the perspective of sustainability, easy construction, and low economic cost. The transparent ceiling introduces more natural light while ensuring a light structure. The use of overall recycled wood materials reduces carbon emissions and achieves environmental protection goals. The assembled supporting structure could be disassembled and used as pergolas for the community after the use period of the venue to achieve a recycling role.
Cultural significance:
“Plant Cell” awakens people’s closeness and respect for nature. It is also a natural constraint that restricts excessive commercial development and avoids disorder in the community.
Effects of “Plant Cell”：
Introducing the plant concept into community architecture is a solution to respond to future gentrification in a confident way. The coexisting of architecture and green plants reduce carbon emissions and repays nature in a greenway. It uses the green style to develop the cultural identity and maintain the harmonious development of the community, thus improving the living environment and enhancing living pleasure. Artists can rely on the new creative environment to create artworks with regional characteristics and find a balance between individuality and commonness. New residents can also gain a sense of belonging and integration in their lives and works here, and then devote themselves to the maintenance and contribution of the community.