The Bartlett
Summer Show 2023
Explore
Summer Show 2023
unit-code
Close
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
A Creative Reuse Centre: Repurposing and Recycling Materials
The unit brief challenged students to investigate the idea of urban acupuncture, repurposing existing structures as part of the growing awareness within architecture to build environmentally responsible buildings.
Zorrotzaurre Island, to the northwest of Bilbao city centre, provided a rich environment with opportunities to redevelop and reuse derelict structures. Taking on board the role of creative reuse in the brief, the proposed building is a centre for creative reuse: taking in materials, structures, and second-hand objects to be reused and refurbished; promoting reuse amongst the island community and challenging the traditional one-use life cycle of materials at both an object and architectural level. The building was to be a clear example that these principles can be achieved.
Perspective View Overlooking the Creative Reuse Centre
On site existing materials were reused in the new building, with bricks and corrugated steel utilised as cladding as an example. The existing concrete frame had a significant influence on the layout of the new building.
Sketch Vignettes of Key Spaces
Once key spaces had been defined with approximate dimensions, sketches overlayed on renders were used to experiment with materiality and how people would interact in these spaces.
Structural Analysis Using the Graphic Statics Method
The graphic statics method was used to determine the magnitude and type of force in each member to assess the feasibility of reusing the mono-pitch truss with a new roof load. Each colour polygon represents the forces acting on each joint.
Bay Construction
The lightweight timber frame of the new building is inserted within the existing concrete frame, which supports the existing trusses. Variations of this module are used for all the new structures imposed on the site.
Environmental Section of the Proposal
The spacing and separation of each bay allowed for passive strategies to be used alongside active HVAC strategies while providing the required daylighting and comfort conditions.
The Bartlett
Summer Show 2023
23 June – 8 July 2023
Summer Show 2023
Explore
Coming soon