The brief was to create a RIBA gallery space, representing the headquarters' enterprises. The venue was set to promote and display RIBA's design and architectural projects, publications and exhibitions. The focus of the brief was to relate to the idea of 'adaptive re-use', to expose the historic fabric and the structure of the building and its previous uses, while undertaking sustainable measures in the design proposals. As the existing building is grade II listed, big structural changes where unfavourable, therefore sustainable design choices went through materials, lighting specifications and space planning.
Presentation of visuals were focused on plans, sections, and elevations that enables us to clearly present our design intentions. Rendering was concentrated on showing a suggestion of the material/ texture than it being photo realistic, this technique seen to be more effective in the final visuals. I have taken advantage of the concrete texture that surrounds all the floors and the walls that exposes the building's structure.
All technical drawings done in AutoCAD and rendered in Photoshop.
RIBA building - Site Context
Reception point - Concept inspiration
Cafe counter - Foldable recycled compressed plywood board
Giving significance to the historic purposes of the building, with it being an old post office, from the transport of mail letters and the traditional folds of an envelope through the building's traditional elements. RIBA is all about developing the essential relationship their clients start, like the postletter, the connection of one to the other.
Sustainable choices go around materials, which are concrete and recycled compressed OSB plywood, a low energy LED lighting type, plantation for green support and double glazed insulated windows with low emissivity (low-E) for heat loss reduction. Voids have been inserted in the 2nd and 3rd floor to open up the space between the floors to adapt maximum natural day light and make the interior look bigger.The connection between RIBA and their guests start from the ground floor reception point where the space resembles an 'open envelope' giving a welcoming message that draws people in. Way finding around the space is focused around the stairway guiding guests through the upper floors and around the spaces, thus connecting them to their reached destination.
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Floor 00
Floor 01
Floor 02
Floor 03
Section cut A - A
Section cut B - B