The Last Centre

2023

Ladywell, Lewisham, and the rest of London have felt the effects of downpours flooding fields, and homes, and causing irreparable damages. This project is a effort to help rework rain into a space dedicated to the function of the natural needs and the physical needs of the community. It has a balance that connects community and its changing climate.

Initial Research

Ladywell and most of South East London, highlighted in the right map, are mainly populated by people with Afro-Caribbean or African ethnicity. Within the limits of architecture, the appreciation for culture in the local area can add to the community.
“Before the Flood” is a documentary about Actor Leonardo DiCaprio's journey to understand the dangers of climate change and its possible solutions. In the documentary, he meets with various scientists, activists, and world leaders to discuss these issues and how they are trying to prevent or diminish the effects of climate change.
Education is vital not only in youth but throughout life, serving as a unifying force for determined individuals. Immigrants and non-native speakers often feel overlooked in their new communities and may struggle with everyday tasks without adequate support. Additionally, immersing children in nature and teaching them about its natural processes can foster a deeper appreciation of their surroundings and inspire future interests. That is why this centre has no particular purpose intended for its users.

The site

Experiencing the number of possible routes within the park is quite literally endless as the opportunity to stick to a path, as well as adventure off course is welcomed. Attractions as well as sporting activities involved in this notion of sticking to a route, such as tennis courts and cafés.
The rate of urbanisation growth has reduced the size of the park, affecting the ratio of nature to buildings and the resourcefulness of the trees and river. Rivers, as a subject matter, can be understood as contributing to the natural cycle of water. Lakes and sea passages rely on this cycle to have a healthy relationship with the land and not overflooding.
River deltas are being threatened by human activity, as restricting their path can lead to more negative re percussions than positive ones. The delta production plays an important role in the river cycle as this allows the safe passage of flood water. Overusing natural resources also disrupts the cycle of water by taking away vital biology from its system.

Concept Analysis

The Climate Tile serves as a key precedent in addressing climate change by repurposing 30% of rainwater to sustain the urban environment. This innovative pavement system in Copenhagen transforms a mundane surface into a functional asset, filtering and reintegrating water into the city’s ecosystem. Inspired by this approach, my design aims to implement a similar water circulation system, recognizing that many European countries face comparable challenges with excessive rainfall.
The People’s Pavilion in the Netherlands exemplifies community-driven, zero-impact architecture. By sourcing materials and labor locally, it eliminates the negative environmental effects of traditional construction. Built with wooden beams, recycled plastic cladding, glass roofing, and other sustainable materials, the pavilion serves as a vibrant gathering space for music, theatre, and social events, accommodating 200 to 600 people. Notably, its exterior features repurposed household plastic waste, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainable design.

Requirments

The design considers rest as a requirement for some people to stay in the space for more time.
The design has two levels that are connected by stairs and and a ramp for accessibility.
A roof that funnels water from rain and protects simultaneously.
Using the water from the rain to be recycled for neighboring building and sustainable building materials such as recycled plastic for the roofing.

Design Development

The design is styled after the micro-biology found in rivers that supports its functionality.
I did testing to find which way was the most effective in getting the water to directly flow into an underground processing tank.
In making a model to illustrate the design, I only used litter that could be repurposed such as cans bottles and cardboard. This is to emphasis the need to reuse waste instead of littering which is plaguing Ladywell.

Final Design Proposal

The design’s purpose is to be an option for rainfall to fill instead of the surrounding fields and houses.
It is to also supply shelter from English weather and to take a break in routine. Its capacity is around 60 people, and around 80 standing.
Ideally, the collected water would be reintroduced into the plumbing of Lewisham or sent directly to the hospital’s use. Also, water station set up outside the cafe can be introduced into the plumbing system of my design.