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Building Stories

BS site map
BS existing site

Transforming a bomb-damaged

19th-century chapel into a performing arts venue.

BS site analysis

Analysing The Existing

Location

Existing Interior

BS design development

Asylum Chapel is a 19th century chapel located in Caroline Gardens, Peckham.

It was damaged by a bomb in WW2 and since then, little was done to restore or preserve the building. Currently Asylum Chapel is a favourite place for weddings, exhibitions and photoshoots. The space is closed for the public. 

Peckham is a vibrant district with diverse demographic. In the area three performance art schools are located which is why my proposal aims to provide a small-scale functional theatre in which students can practice and showcase their work. Despite this I wanted this proposal to provide a get-together space for the members of the public. The site is not closely located to the popular parts of Peckham. An important question for me was "How do I make people go to the Asylum Chapel?" 

Why do I make a performance arts centre in a bomb-damaged chapel?

What can the space give to people and how can it bring a change to their everyday lives?

Design Development

BS concept
BS main entrance

Concept

Proposed Main Entrance 

bs5.jpg

Proposed Drawings

BS isometric section

My proposal is developed around the concept of box within a box. The structure has four levels made from a CLT premanufactured panels. The proposal has a stage, backstage, workshops, studios, dressing rooms, offices, cafe-bar and a terrace. Apart from this, the performance art centre is designed to respect and preserve the existing fabric. The proposal incorporates inclusive design, adaptable spaces, sunlight access to all levels and good acoustics.

Proposed Section Isometric

BS detail and visual_first and second floor

Proposed Level G and 1

BS acoustics

Proposed Stage Acoustics

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