The Bartlett
Summer Show 2023
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Zorrotzaurre Circus School

Project details

Programme
Unit Unit 1
Year 3

Zorrotzaurre is subject to a new masterplan, which plans to demolish most of the buildings on the island. Therefore, the two circuses located on the island will lose their location of residence. This project provides a new home for them and is located in an existing building that will be adaptively reused to this effect.

The scheme includes a performance space (circus auditorium) and a practice space, including communal areas to encourage the creation of a new community. Since a tram is passing through the building and a tram stop is incorporated, there is a large focus on transport and how that could be a catalyst to get people interested in this new circus school. The connection to the greenspaces surrounding the building is also a driving factor of the development.

Environmental Section through the Circus Auditorium in Summer

In terms of passive strategies, the shading of the large south-facing window was optimised, and the thermal mass of concrete is utilised. Additionally, displacement ventilation introduced at the occupants' feet provides heating/cooling.

First Floor Plan

The plan shows the mezzanines that are used throughout the building. This enables the occupant of the building to spectate the circus practices. The plan also diagrammatically shows which parts of the building are reused.

Testing of the Auditorium’s Radial Design

Initial iteration developed to understand the atmosphere of the roof structure and radial truss design. These existing trusses are made up of concrete compression elements with a steel wire in tension.

Structural Analysis Section

The structure of the main auditorium works in similar ways to a cantilevered bridge structure, with balanced cantilevering arms and a simply supported beam between them. Again, the trusses used throughout the building are existing trusses.

External Gallery

The external gallery forms the main access point to the circus auditorium. Its brick façade is used sculpturally, displaying the name of the main circus school and the silhouettes of circus performers. Below, Basque pintxos are sold to visitors.

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The Bartlett
Summer Show 2023
23 June – 8 July 2023
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