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Bridging the Urban Threshold

Part 2 Project 2019
Mai Nguyen
University of Kent | UK
The thesis centred around the theme Threshold, investigating and speculating what it means to dwell within the thresholds of Rochester. An architectural device called “The Caterpillar” was deployed here to encourage interaction and conversation between the designer and the town’s residents, uncovering and revealing the hidden socio-spatial conditions through interrogation of various thresholds within the townscape. These findings, together with the process of making and evolving the device informed the architecture that is sympathetic of the town’s industrial heritage whilst responds to its’ deep-rooted social and urban issues.

The brief responded to a call for a new technology workforce in Rochester, following the approval of Rochester’s innovation hub and the Rochester Riverside residence. The proposal aspired to revitalise sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical Institute - a vital social and historical threshold of the town. The realised design comprises of three premises which house various seminar rooms, lecture theatre, laboratories and study facilities. They frame a central courtyard which offers a new realm for social gathering and public performance in hope of bringing the old and new residents together.

Mai Nguyen

Tutor(s)



2019
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