Protecting Chatham
b.AR centre is a response to the current lack of support for vulnerable adults, including the homeless and domestic abuse victims, within Chatham.
I investigated the nature of homelessness, the cycle of material deprivation and emotional isolation which must be address if individuals are to successfully improve their circumstances.
b.AR centre, provides an opportunity for at-risk individuals to re-establish themselves as part of a safe and supportive community where they will gain a sense of belonging and acceptance.
The spaces designed facilitate mutuality and develop a human ecological system in which each person is acknowledged and valued in their own right and empowered to help and be helped.
My proposal occupies Prince William’s Barracks, a building that was created to protect Chatham. My intention was to conserve and focalise the existing with minimal intervention and adopt sustainable methods, reusing materials taken from local redevelopment in and around Chatham.
INTERIM HOUSING
-ensuite accommodation with communal kitchen and lounging spaces for homeless individuals and families for a short.
DROP-IN CENTRE
-walk-in help centre for at risk individuals seeking guidance.
-drop-in kitchen, showering and postal facilities for homeless that cannot be immediately housed.
KITCHEN
-everyday café bar for general use by patrons.
-scheduled “soup kitchen” times for homeless people.
THERAPY PODS
-for internal and external practitioners to provide therapy and wellness for both residents and external individuals
WORKSHOP
-permanent pottery workshop studio.
-bookable mixed use hobby workshop.
MARKET
-the main building converts to a thriving market hall to offer people a chance of creating an income from their workshop products.
Being a mature student, I have a wealth of working experience and can see how my university education can be applied in practice. However, I can also see how there are many more learnings to be gained in industry and am excited to further my knowledge and my expertise.