In Praise Of Nests & Other Things Part 1 Project 2013 Thomas Savage Northumbria University Newcastle | UK The project is located on the outskirts of Blyth, the most populous town in Northumberland. The port remains active, but Blyth’s legacy of heavy industry has slowly been replaced with offshore and clean energy technologies. The project seeks to capitalise on the extraordinary, sweeping beaches of the north east coast. A distinct change in visitors and uses occurs between winter and summer. This is highlighted by the project, which switches functions (for its human inhabitants) between bird-watching in winter and spring and water sports in summer and autumn. The scheme provides for both human and avian occupants to take temporary ‘roost’, each during their season.The scheme has two sites: The visitor centre on the banks above the promenade and the hostel towers on the beach and in the water. The two buildings are linked by raised reciprocal views from viewing platforms that wrap around the structures.The hostel towers, located between the high and low tide lines, are exposed steel structures, twisting around concrete pods, framing spectacular views along the Northumbrian coastline. Each level embraces a communal dwelling area where summer occupants can cook and congregate and winter occupants can nest. Large wooden cranes hoist water sports equipment out of the water for the night.The original concept designs were made from off cuts of other architectural models, mimicking the nature of birds’ nests which depend on found materials in their construction. These were photographed, superimposed and recombined to begin to define an architectural language.“so we dip ourselves into the dream world of nests, recreating a surreal atmosphere” Manuel Fonseca Gallego Thomas Savage Tutor(s)