Margate Marine Education Centre
Stage 3 | May 2020
This marine education center targets education as a basis of well-being. Preparing and engaging with the youth and setting their aspirations high for a sustainable future. The center contributes to the vocational training of students and young adults. The proposal was based around the well preserved existing sea bathing caves which will as a tool for the regeneration of this seaside town. Making use of the saline atmosphere and existing water intake the caves will be converted into an underground aquarium which will serve bring both tourist and locals together.
This marine education center targets education as a basis of well-being. Preparing and engaging with the youth and setting their aspirations high for a sustainable future. The center contributes to the vocational training of students and young adults. The proposal was based around the well preserved existing sea bathing caves which will as a tool for the regeneration of this seaside town. Making use of the saline atmosphere and existing water intake the caves will be converted into an underground aquarium which will serve bring both tourist and locals together.
Client scenarios | A fractured community
The concept for the redevelopment of the Lido was derived from interviews with young adults aged fifteen to seventeen at a Youth Centre in Margate. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca struggles to help her parents financially as she can not get a job. She also struggles in school as subjects such as art are removed due to budget cuts. As universities ask for higher entry grades ever year she finds herself falling into indescribable habits to avoid social exile. Bruno is a orphan and can not afford existing arcades in Margate such as the Flamingo. He often seeks attention in the classroom which leads him into getting in trouble. He finds refuge in the Quarterbeck Youth Centre where he can explore his passion for cooking in a safe environment. The proposal aims to positively impact theses young adults' providing them with jobs and access to education.
The concept for the redevelopment of the Lido was derived from interviews with young adults aged fifteen to seventeen at a Youth Centre in Margate. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca struggles to help her parents financially as she can not get a job. She also struggles in school as subjects such as art are removed due to budget cuts. As universities ask for higher entry grades ever year she finds herself falling into indescribable habits to avoid social exile. Bruno is a orphan and can not afford existing arcades in Margate such as the Flamingo. He often seeks attention in the classroom which leads him into getting in trouble. He finds refuge in the Quarterbeck Youth Centre where he can explore his passion for cooking in a safe environment. The proposal aims to positively impact theses young adults' providing them with jobs and access to education.
Existing Building | A Rich History
The proposal was based around the existing cave system as they are well preserved and were a nodal point when Margate was most popular, they can now serve as a tool for the regeneration of the area. As they are Grade ll listed they cannot be altered but the use can be changed if it is for economic benefit. Making use of the saline atmosphere and water intake, aquariums within the cave system will be atmospheric and engaging for this environment. |
Proposed plans
The public plaza and other small spaces created on the terraced landscape helps to encourage interaction between locals and tourists. Situated between two bus stops the site is accessible by public transport and small disabled parking is provided. Current urban situation is enhanced by increasing green public space along the seaside and reducing parking to provide a small plaza for local businesses. Axis where taken from the main access routes to the site most used by the public as well as views that had to be preserved from existing housing. The upper floor of the main building was repurposed as a café drawing people in from the street and giving access to the proposed exhibition space. The lower levels of the exiting structure are repurposed as lecture theaters, a library and labs and give direct access to aquarium.
The public plaza and other small spaces created on the terraced landscape helps to encourage interaction between locals and tourists. Situated between two bus stops the site is accessible by public transport and small disabled parking is provided. Current urban situation is enhanced by increasing green public space along the seaside and reducing parking to provide a small plaza for local businesses. Axis where taken from the main access routes to the site most used by the public as well as views that had to be preserved from existing housing. The upper floor of the main building was repurposed as a café drawing people in from the street and giving access to the proposed exhibition space. The lower levels of the exiting structure are repurposed as lecture theaters, a library and labs and give direct access to aquarium.
Structural Systems A Warren truss space frame is used to support the contoured extensive roof. Chalk blocks dug from site are used to form the steps of the roof structure as well as the landscaping around the site . The structure was designed around access points, views and the cave system below and the foundations are placed so that the proposed structure does not disturb the underground systems. |
Environment | Social and Environmental Sustainability Sketch
Organic design not only mimics the nature of the building with its' natural caves and arches but aids in the movement of strong winds over the surface of the structure. The atrium functions as a structural tree as well as a water collection point, also allowing light and ventilation into the centre of the building. Glass doors and windows are stepped back from the façade edge to avoid excessive solar gain and water run-off which will be diverted to the retention lake on the contoured landscape. Energy is generated by solar panels as well as Thanet offshore wind farm.
Organic design not only mimics the nature of the building with its' natural caves and arches but aids in the movement of strong winds over the surface of the structure. The atrium functions as a structural tree as well as a water collection point, also allowing light and ventilation into the centre of the building. Glass doors and windows are stepped back from the façade edge to avoid excessive solar gain and water run-off which will be diverted to the retention lake on the contoured landscape. Energy is generated by solar panels as well as Thanet offshore wind farm.
Landscaping Design | Terraced Landscape
The roof structures curved coralline form is mimicked in the landscape. Contoured areas create terraced vegetation as well as harboring public and activity spaces. Chalk stone is used on the edges to provide seating and prevent the soil from moving as well as deciduous trees that provide shelter in the summer and allow sun in the winter and shelter the site for noise pollution from the existing road. These diagrams help to show how the proposed build relates to the existing housing as well as existing Lido building. The coralline building structure creates a natural flowing landscaping close to the street scene. The existing building is encouraged to become part of the green foliage.
The roof structures curved coralline form is mimicked in the landscape. Contoured areas create terraced vegetation as well as harboring public and activity spaces. Chalk stone is used on the edges to provide seating and prevent the soil from moving as well as deciduous trees that provide shelter in the summer and allow sun in the winter and shelter the site for noise pollution from the existing road. These diagrams help to show how the proposed build relates to the existing housing as well as existing Lido building. The coralline building structure creates a natural flowing landscaping close to the street scene. The existing building is encouraged to become part of the green foliage.
A New Life
Interviews at the design phase showed they have difficultly finding jobs to support themselves and their families, as well as struggles to engage with higher education. The sketches above show how the center provides a safe space for youth to engage in education. The youth can also learn more about marine life by leading tours and cleaning tanks which will help them provide income for their families. The projects goal is to integrate the youth of Margate and the tourism industry into the Lido site providing jobs and education for the youth of Margate and entertainment for the tourists and allowing socio-economic groups to mix.
Interviews at the design phase showed they have difficultly finding jobs to support themselves and their families, as well as struggles to engage with higher education. The sketches above show how the center provides a safe space for youth to engage in education. The youth can also learn more about marine life by leading tours and cleaning tanks which will help them provide income for their families. The projects goal is to integrate the youth of Margate and the tourism industry into the Lido site providing jobs and education for the youth of Margate and entertainment for the tourists and allowing socio-economic groups to mix.