Primordial State: Michael Fowler Centre

Abstract

The transformation of the existing Michael Fowler Centre with the proposed intervention was strongly driven by the contextual dialogue of nature. Analysis of the existing static mechanic structure of the MFC inspired me to create a flowing organic intervention in counterpoint to the original, creating an atmosphere as if the occupants are surrounded by the sound wave of a harmonic sea. Simultaneously the intervention challenges the ecological transformation of the MFC toward a more sustainable building, incorporating self-sufficient self-operating systems that save natural resources in the day to convert into electricity for performances at night. The intervention adapts Lebbeus Woods' mythology of 'Four Cities', his City of Earth-Air-Fire-Water, which proposes that architecture might change people's thinking by offering different spaces within which to encourage them to challenge the environment. In these four organic structured cities, spaces are formed from cycles in nature and primordial states of matter and energy. This is expressed as a mythology of evolution, a cosmology in which the human being finds harmony with cycles of time, the environment, and the passage from Birth through Growth, Decay and Death and again to Birth. Forms that have structural continuity are most able to withstand the extremes of eternal forces. The outer skin supported by lattice steel trusses not only provide a sense of 'spatial impression' and envelopment by the sound, but also creates an invisible force, it become the protector/ isolator of the theatre space. When conceptual waves splash onto these curvy wall of the organic sphere, it intermediately scatters into rows of seating, and as it continues to curve around it bend into a canopy that transform into a spaceship like foyer. This reinforces the concept of dynamic forces. Water act as the major element, not only visualize benefits the interior and also audition efficient the exterior. Water is the soul of auditorium, it give birth to the rhythm and like blood run thought the whole body, generate heating the same time isolate the sound form exterior, reflects to the mystery of sea..