Design Project 2 Programmatic outline

Moving forward from the initial Design 1 concept of the open air cinema, I want to continue the trend of producing a structure of entertainment, specifically in the form of a theatre. This is the primary programme of the proposal that I will be developing during the course of this project, creating a new site for theatrical performances to take place within the Hammersmith Riverside area.

From the beginning of the project I want to be clear that I do not intend to create something that already exists within the Hammermsith Hub, for example the Hammersmith Apollo. I want to centre the project around, adding to and developing the hub, creating a new form, attracting people to the area for an alternative and new kind of performance.

The secondary requirement for the design is for it to act as a Thames Clipper station, to provide greater access to and service the Hammersmith area. I intend to carry ideas forward from my Design 1 project, in particular the nature of how the two programmes interact, it will be a priority to design the proposal so that one can continue to occur alongside another without either causing interruptions. Also, the clipper station is to be designed in such a way so that it seamlessly fits with the form and appearance of the theatre. I wish for the final proposal to appear as one structure so that it seams far less like two propositions butted against one another, the idea is to create a multi-use form, entertainment and interchange from water to land.

Ambitions

As I mentioned, the basis for this design process is not to create and duplicate a form that currently exists within the Hammersmith Hub, but to develop a structure which adds to the collective.

In terms of the theatre space, sites for world wide productions already exist, what I am going to create is one formed with the notion of it being centred around the community. The space is to give those aspiring to an opportunity to gain greater exposure to the deep theatrically-rich environment of the city. It is to act as a ‘spring-board’ for those wanting to reach higher up in the performance world but may lack the chance to do so. Whether it be junior theatre schools or fully fledged professional actors, the theatre provides the opportunities many may require. Due to the design site location being adjacent to the river and the incorporation of a boat station in the design, the proposal gives direct access to the area, providing instant exposure for the theatre to anyone passing by.

The theatre is to be centred around natural voice productions, meaning what you are hearing from the stage is coming from the actors, not through sound systems typical of larger venues. My aim is to create a theatre with a close intimate feel within the auditorium and I feel not using speakers for voice progression will significantly aid this and lead to said environment being created. The reason being to try and make the patrons of the theatre actually feel like they are part of the production occurring. Doing this will require significant sound insulation due to loud exterior surroundings, which will be investigated later in this project.

As said, this theatre is to be for aspiring performers. To aid the process for some, the theatre is open to everyone who wishes to watch, the theatre will cater for everyone, in terms of what people wish to view and what time to view it at. By allowing this to occur I feel that people may likely have a better chance of climbing the rungs of the ‘performance ladder’. This access to all, also applies in the physical sense, I intend to design a theatre, along with ‘add-on’ spaces, in a way that those who are less physically able are also able to have the same experience as others.