Architectural Interior Design
To design a private members club the grand German Gymnasium building in Kings Cross, a listed building designed by Edward Gruning. Built in 1865 for the German Gymnastics society and host of London’s first Olympic Games in 1866.
The German Gymnasium is located in Kings Cross, currently evolving as a locale of change. Camden Council is currently driving to promote creative industries in the area, including software and electric publishing, advertising, and video and film production. With such a close proximity to Kings Cross and St Pancras it is well positioned as a meeting point for people across the UK as well as those internationally being connected by the Euro Star. As a reflection of this circumstantial input, I focused on creating a co-working environment.
The proposal works as a members’ club slanted towards creativity and the generation of a learning community to facilitate start-ups, entrepreneurs, freelancers and local businesses by providing flexible work spaces, a filming studio, product launches, pitch nights and relevant talks. As a gymnasium I looked at movement and shape, the photographs of Edward Muybridge gave me the concept of static fluidity. Looking at how gymnastic fluidity is broken down into stages that are then assembled into movement, I think this paused tension can make an interesting environment exemplified by the Tree House.
The building has some of the first Glulam laminated roof beams and I wanted to replicate this same innovation in laminated bamboo steps, making this sustainable as bamboo is a fast-growing plant.
Universal Principles of Design provided inspirational and creative design space theories. The cathedral effect was used in the Auditorium and smaller working nooks, the taller ceilinged area promotes creativity and the higher ceiling promotes focus.
Biophilia surrounds the workers in a nature rich environment which is more conducive to concentration and relaxation. I used this with a wall garden and using the central construction as a tree-like structure.
Influenced by the talks of Sir Ken Robinson I wanted to look at ‘Play’ used creatively in adults. Children lack the filters and definition of objects that adults have, meaning that they have much more creative power. I have attempted to create an irrational childish environment with an unusual layout and tree house like structures.
