Description:
 

The project proposes the introduction of a multipurpose venue as the solution for society’s recovery from the consequences of COVID-19. The site is located in Bridgeton & Calton neighbourhoods, which are characterised by limited access to educational, recreational and physical development opportunities, which was deteriorated by stress from self-isolation during pandemics. The building design seeks to solve this by using an automated auditorium, which transforms depending on the event. The mixture of different programs must maximise the opportunities for local deprived people to socialise and entertain after pandemics. The architectural design combines the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, located on site, and introduces a new parametric façade. The façade design is inspired by the penicillin colony, discovered by Alexander Fleming, which celebrates the Scottish people’s contribution to overcoming global pandemics. 

 

The architectural concept is based on the creation of a unique architectural form through exploration of the history and social importance of Barras, Glasgow and Scotland in the epidemic situation. Barras is a socially important locale of Bridgeton & Calton that was overcrowded in Victorian times due to mass immigration from Highlands and Ireland, resulting in poverty, crimes and bad sanitation. The Barras (locally named after trader’s handcart) pursued the prevention of destitution, stealing and high morbidity that came through the bartering system, enabled by the charity from middle-class districts, that sourced goods and clothes, used for trading among lower labour. Nowadays the study area is considered one of the least well-being areas of Glasgow which is reaffirmed by SIMD 2020 deprivation data. The 15-minute study of the district clearly demonstrates the shortage of entertainment and rehabilitation venues. The economic and social crisis, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic deteriorated the quality of life of local people. They were robbed of opportunities for educational and physical development, became psychologically stressed about lack of communication and uncertainty about future life normalisation, and hence required active recreation.