Creating a perspective that will show how the shelter is accessible to passers by along Oxford Road

Creating a concept image using diagrams.

On Friday we met with Polly, involved with the Save Oxford Road Corner Campaign. I presented to her, some initial designs of our modules for the beds, kitchen and shower. Currently we are unsure as to the aesthetic of the modules, although we know they need to be lightweight and want them to be colourful. Above, is an initial image I created to try and show the idea of trucks carrying the modules.

We decided to create a Homeless Shelter using a modular system that would close into standard cuboids to fit into a truck for transport to new locations. These are our initial sketches.

Today we visited the Cornerhouse site as well as the relocated site and new venue called HOME. Despite a very interesting and successful staircase (as shown above) I found HOME's use of concrete and wood with mid century furniture generic, similar to other recent projects in Manchester such as the MMU Student Union, and lacking in character. This was disappointing as I felt the original appeal of the Cornerhouse was its unique atmosphere the building created. Consequently, I want my project to compliment this positive atmosphere and take advantage of the prominent location of the building. My initial thoughts are to create a temporary homeless shelter with architectural installations to cater to needs of sleep, eating and washing.

We began by looking at Case Study's which exhibited an installation, interference or insertion into a building or space. Personally, I liked Richard Serra's sculptural installation in the Guggenheim Museum and how its large scale, enabled it to be interactive for visitors. A temporary installation such as this one by Serra seems appropriate for the Cornerhouse- a space with an uncertain future that's longevity could be preserved if the flexible nature of the building is upheld.