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Yorkshire Geo Centre

Part 2 Project 2007
Emma Fairhurst
 Newcastle University | UK
The thesis evolved from a desire to explore the sublime qualities of the dramatic Yorkshire Dales landscape and to heighten the sensations experienced upon encountering the towering man-made quarry face which the proposal nestles beneath.

A local context is rich in unique geological features which greatly influenced the architecture as well as providing the function for the proposal – a geological exhibition centre incorporating a research and education facility to promote the distinctive qualities of the Yorkshire Dales' greatest asset – the breath-taking natural and man-made landscape.


The site is a disused quarry complete with a redundant but historically important limestone kiln high in the North Yorkshire Dales. The buildings are, appropriately, for exhibition, discovery and research into the local geology. The project is concerned with resolving practical imperatives: how new and sustainable uses can be found to repair a fractured brown field site in a remote rural setting; with place making - how an appropriate setting can be created for an important industrial monument; and with the poetic - buildings that capture and reflect, in every aspect of their form, materials and assembly, the sublime setting.
2007
the rich surrounding context of magnificent geological features and industrial ruins inspired the investigation of the sublime, geology and the natural and man-made landscape
ideas drawn from the theoretical investigation of the sublime introduced methods to enhance the experience of the landscape through architectural intervention
the centre nestles at the base of the 100 metre high quarry face, forming a dramatic backdrop of significant geological interest to the research centre
the central point of arrival at the centre, by road, rail or foot. the public exhibition building is seen in the foreground and research centre is glimpsed through the towers
the view between the towers to the cliff face is central to the formal strategy - emphasising the scale, drama and ruggedness of the landscape
the proposal has always been considered as three formally separated yet linked buildings; the research centre, the exhibition centre and the hoffmann kiln -
ground floor plan: the entrance 'below the threshold', an exhibition space which connects the towers and the research centre, which are entered from beneath and raised up through
an informal space between the two buildings where the exhibition spills out, cuts through the top-lit cavenous discovery areas allow access from the exhibition centre
the cantilevered research laboratories are seen conceptually as a solid element 'extracted' from the hillside, creating an overbearing form from beneath
detailed section: demonstrating the circulation through the dark, lower exhibition space, up through the towers towards the views and the light - evoking the journey from the cave to the mountain top
detailed axonometric: concrete mixed with limestone aggregate is the main material - the twist of the towers accentuates the layered construction and introduces geological ideas of the restless surface
the lower exhibition space which connects the buildings,where the visitor can circulate beneath the towers and reference the body in relation to the overbearing weight of the towers above
the top-lit circulation wall connects all levels, the suspended stairs and walkways allow light to filter through - again emphasing the journey from the lower, dark exhibition spaces to the brightly lit laboratory and office areas
the atrium to the rear of the research centre allows views onto the cut limestone, the blocks which plug into this space house the service spaces for the laboratories and offices
the cantilevered writing up area - created to discourage the solitude associated with scientific work, the laboratories spill out into the space where the geologists are encouraged to think 'beyond the threshold'
• Page Hits: 6636         • Entry Date: 29 June 2007         • Last Update: 29 June 2007