c. Bancroft Community Centre
Bethnal Green, London
Feasibility study for a new community centre to a Bancroft tenant management co-operative Tower Hamlets estate, in collaboration with Blustin Heath Design. The brownfield site lies at the edge of the estate between a raised railway line and the estate park. The proposed building is intended to turn this wasteland into a borough wide community building including a large hall, youth centre, crèche, offices and workshops. The design works on two axis; east - west along the length of the access road, forming the main formal route; and north-south where the building is an extension of the park. Part of the park steps down to align with the lowest floor before wrapping back over the building. The other part of the park rises up to form the roof to the entrance. The main hall hovers over the park. The park elevation is fully glazed whilst the rear elevation, overlooking the railway ine, is solid with 4 metre long slots running parallel to the railway line. Kids can race the passing trains inside the hall, while from the park side trains appear to pass through the building.
