Name: Ching Wei Leong
Atelier: PRAXXIS
Nationality: Malaysian
Skills: Photoshop, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Enscape, Microsoft Word
Design Ethos: Form should be equally as important as function
Interests: Traveling, Dogs, Futsal

MEET THE COLLABORATORS!

The Westcroft Community Centre is committed to empowering, inspiring and improving the local community of Burnage. They offer a safe and inclusive environment that supports all users and volunteers to help them realise their own potential.

As a result of collaboration with service users, Westcroft's motto is based on their values and inspires the company's philosophy. Their work connects neighbors with neighbors, local people with services and opportunities, and they work with a variety of partners. They cater to visitors of all backgrounds, needs, and circumstances by understanding the unique circumstances of everyone.

INTRODUCTION

Group 17 kicked off the project by conducting a group introduction and icebreaker session. Subsequently, we proceeded to present our project to the BA1 & BA2 students and engage in a Q&A session to gain a deeper understanding of the project.

SITE VISIT

Following the concise introduction, we proceeded to visit Westcroft Community Centre for a site visit. We guided the BA1 & BA2 students around the premises and briefed them on the collaborators' requirements, as discussed in our previous meetings. As a group, we also engaged in a brief on-site discussion regarding some initial design concepts.

BRAINSTORMING SESSION

After completing the site visit, we convened as a group for a brainstorming session to exchange our preliminary design ideas. All members actively participated in the discussion and shared their ideas through both verbal and visual means. We then divided into two smaller groups, with one focusing on the outdoor spaces design and the other on the indoor layout. Our groups generated initial sketches and design concepts before concluding the day's session.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN SKETCHES

Initial design sketches and concepts of how we re-imagine Westcroft.

SITE VISIT - THE PROUD TRUST

On the second day, we visited The Proud Trust, an LGBTQ community centre that shares a common objective of empowering, inspiring and enhancing the lives of the LGBTQ community through a supportive and educational space. The aim of this site visit was to seek inspiration from the design of other community spaces that could be adapted for use in Westcroft Community Center.

EXPERIENCING THE SPACES - THE PROUD TRUST

Emily Crompton led us on a tour around The Proud Trust and provided us with a detailed explanation of each space and its design purpose. Additionally, we were given the opportunity to personally engage with some of these spaces, which aided in our comprehension of the intended design. This site visit inspired us with novel ideas on how to address some of the challenges faced by Westcroft Community Center.

DESIGN DISCUSSION

Bathed with fresh ideas gleaned from our visit to The Proud Trust, we proceeded to share our individual thoughts and reflections on the visit. We discussed which aspects of the visit intrigued us and brainstormed how these could be incorporated into our design proposal to enhance the user experience in each space.

PRESENTATION PREPARATIONS

We allocated each team member a specific task to be included in our presentation slide for the initial client meeting. These tasks included floor plans, exterior backyard design, 3D perspective view, and materiality concept. We collaborated according to the agreed-upon design and compiled our work into the presentation slide.

PRESENTATION DAY - FIRST PROPOSAL

On the day of the presentation, Westcroft extended invitations to community members to attend and participate in our presentation for the initial design proposal. We showcased two design options for the interior layout and exterior backyard. Additionally, the BA students had an opportunity to present their work. Following the presentation, we engaged in a Q&A session where valuable comments and feedback were provided, helping us refine our design proposal for the final stage. The session was positive, with attendees enjoying the presentation and offering several suggestions for further design enhancements.

DESIGN PROPOSAL

We developed two design proposals for the backyard area, incorporating the concept of using shipping containers to house the existing food bank on the upper floor. Additionally, we maximized the open space in both proposals to create outdoor areas that can be utilized by Westcroft to expand their programs beyond the indoor space.

KARAOKE SESSION

After a refreshing weekend break, we kicked off the new week with an energizing icebreaker session that involved a karaoke session. We made full use of the university-provided equipment to enhance our project experience. The BA students delivered electrifying performances that uplifted everyone's spirits, alleviating the Monday blues.

SOFTWARE TUTORIAL

We commenced the session by conducting a SketchUp tutorial delivered by Eva to the BA students. This tutorial aimed to equip them with the necessary skills to assist us in the subsequent 3D modeling process. The enthusiastic learning attitude of the BA students facilitated quick learning and resulted in a highly productive session.

DESIGN SKETCHES PROCESS - OPTION 1

Taking into account the feedback received from the previous presentation, we gathered as a group to develop a comprehensive design that addressed the input provided by both the collaborators and the community. Through rigorous idea exchange and collaborative discussions, we reached a consensus on the finalized design.

DESIGN SKETCHES PROCESS - OPTION 2

Taking into account the feedback received from the previous presentation, we gathered as a group to develop a comprehensive design that addressed the input provided by both the collaborators and the community. Through rigorous idea exchange and collaborative discussions, we reached a consensus on the finalized design.

FINAL PRESENTATION PREPARATION

Once we finalized the overall design and layout for the final proposal, we assigned specific tasks to each group member based on their respective strengths. We collaborated as a team and provided guidance to the BA students to ensure the desired output. The assigned tasks encompassed drafting floor plans, conducting interior and exterior 3D modeling, designing presentation slide layouts, creating blog posts, developing materiality concept boards, producing storage area design, and preparing a publication booklet.

MATERIALITY CONCEPT BOARD

Before progressing to the production of the 3D model, we crafted a collage of materiality concept boards for each space, allowing us to visualize the intended aesthetic. Our design approach centered around creating a homely ambiance, which aligns with Westcroft's initial concept. The color schemes and material selections from the concept boards served as a reference for our interior 3D renders.

FRONT PORCH DESIGN SKETCHES

The BA students contributed design sketches and concepts for the front porch, which were then incorporated into our overall design scheme.

STORAGE AREA DESIGN

Addressing the primary concerns of Westcroft regarding the unsightly bin storage area and insufficient storage space within the building, we developed initial sketches and ideas to tackle these issues. These concepts were incorporated into our design proposal, which we presented to the collaborators.

PROGRAMME ANALYSIS

We performed a program analysis for both design options to ensure that the spaces function efficiently and facilitate the intended activities in those spaces.

INTERIOR 3D MODELING PROCESS

The images depict the process of the BA students using SketchUp to create 3D models of the interior spaces. The success of our tutorial session is evident as they were able to visualize the interior spaces based on the provided floor plans and reference the material concept board during the design process.

FEEDBACK SESSION

At the conclusion of each day, we held feedback sessions where each group member presented their work to review the progress and receive constructive input from one another. These feedback sessions played a vital role in keeping everyone informed about the project's progress and ensuring that it remained on schedule.

COMPILATION OF FINAL PRESENTATION SLIDES

All drawings and sketches were meticulously documented in an online folder, simplifying the process of compiling the project materials. A dedicated presentation slide team was responsible for gathering the drawings created by the rest of the team members and consolidating them for our final presentation.

FINAL PRESENTATION DAY

We showcased our final proposal to both the collaborators and the communities at Westcroft Community Center. Our comprehensive proposal included two design options featuring detailed floor plans, interior and exterior renders, program analysis, and a bin storage area design.

FINAL PROPOSAL - INTERIOR RENDERS

Interior visualization of the new proposed kitchen and office space.

FINAL PROPOSAL - EXTERIOR RENDERS

Visualization of the proposed backyard area for Option 1 & 2 with the utilization of shipping containers as the new food bank area.

PROJECT COMPLETION

The Westcroft community greatly appreciated the presentation and expressed their delight with the re-imagined vision for Westcroft. Our proposal allowed them to envision the potential of the current spaces and what the center could become. Given their aspiration to enhance the existing spaces to accommodate more activities, we hope that our final proposal serves as a solid starting point for Westcroft in their pursuit of a better space for the community.