Laura Dunce
P1 ‘Threshold’- Observatory
Located on Burbage Edge, a disused quarry, the observatory offers exceptional views of the landscape and the stars. A threshold is passed when you move down off the path, where your focus is looking down, to a place which is all about observing the sky above. The aim of the project was to offer an education facility for all astronomers, from amateur to the most advanced, as part of Sheffield Astronomical Society, as the current meeting venue was being closed down.
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- The private accommodation, excavated into the quarry, is accessed by a staircase which follows the cliff face down to a balcony with stunning views.
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- Low levels of light pollution make Burbage Edge a perfect location for astronomy.
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- The small space accommodation inspired by the technology used in The micro compact home.
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- The lecture theatre space holds up to 30 people and the concave projection wall mimics the sky. Designed to be temporary the lecture dome is made of CNC machine cut plywood and can be dismantled and relocated elsewhere.
P2 ‘Perform’- Attercliffe Amateurs Theatre
Attercliffe was a place you would just pass through. Formerly a heavily industrial area, there was no real sense of community, and nothing to bring people into the area. ‘Attercliffe Amateurs’ aspires to launch the regeneration of the area, for everyone to get involved in all aspects of the theatre. Red brick used to express familiarity and warmth, the feature auditorium stands out and welcomes you in.
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- The brick of the the facade is ‘Attercliffe with a difference’ taking inspiration from Pixel House, Mass Studies, and the Kolumba Musuem, Peter Zumthor. The effect is to allow light into the corridor during daytime performances and to allow it to trickle out at night.
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- The concept was to offer a warm, comfortable, familiar setting for the locals. The façade was developed so as not to have a corporate feel, but to be a feature building whilst still fitting in to it’s context.
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- The bar was to be a social environment for people to meet before and after performances. Back stage could only be accessed through this space, keeping the community spirit.
