Tiger Bay Arts Centre
The Tiger Bay Arts Centre Project has provided me with the opportunity to design an exciting new waterside development in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Throughout the duration of the project I have had the opportunity to demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of the design process from early conception, through to the completion of general construction drawings and details. Throughout the project, three key themes have dominated the decision making process. Firstly, the desire to create accessible, flexible and exciting social spaces, that will encourage the use of the facilities for a variety of purposes. These include; performance spaces, art exhibitions, education and recreational areas. Secondly to design a building that is environmentally sustainable in its use of natural resources. Geothermal technology and solar energy systems will work in combination with the structural components to meet the building’s energy needs and provide a comfortable internal environment. Thirdly, the decision to use in-situ concrete as the primary building material has enabled the fluid curves of the walls to be realised and provides a solid structural shell with a high thermal mass and long life span. The services and internal partitions have been designed to be easily accessible for maintenance and future reconfiguration. The concrete incorporates a range of finishes to provide a visually stimulating building both in its construction detailing and its context. The incorporation of large glazed areas and soft landscaping to the roof terrace compliment the external façade, and unite the internal and external spaces.
