Project Proposal | thebodyandperception

PROJECT PROPOSAL.

Following the Dissertation Research which has been based on ancient philosophy and cosmology, regarding the importance of the body through the way in which we perceive the world around us; the project proposal is to conserve a building of rustic decay where we can feel the earth and see the universe that surrounds us – enhancing our connection and perception of self.

The aim is to adapt and reuse an existing building which is on the ‘at risk’ register and create a viewing platform (observatory) where people can gaze out into the Greater Cosmos and view the constellations of the night sky. It will be a place of escapism and eternalism, though, as much as it aims to convey this transitory existence of time through the site; the design will intend to bring us closer to the Universe, by creating a state of conscious awareness and a feeling of inner significance. The design will take an artistic influence and incorporate the use of large scale sculpture.

'Where there is an observatory and a telescope, we expect that any eyes will see new worlds at once' - Henry David Thoreau [BAKER, J. 2010:27]

My design will take an artistic influence, incorporating the use of large scale sculpture; resonating the element of time and decay with what hopefully, reflects the beginning of all existence at the initial state of our universe, which will continue expanding into what we see today and furthermore. Areas will play with the reflection of self and the idea of alternate realities, however, the overall feel will be our own existential awareness and our final appreciation of self in time.

Possible Site Locations.

Fig. 1: The location of three possible sites in context; if positioned in the sky their geographical location would imitate the three points of Cassiopeia.

Option One - Gothik Summer House, Nuthall.

The Gothic Summerhouse based in the Parish of Nuthall dates back to the 16th Century as far as 1759. It is located where the former Nuthall Temple used to reside until it was demolished in 1926. Nuthall Temple was designed by Thomas Wright in the style of a Roman Villa; it was based on Villa Rocca Pisani and Molini at Lonigo by Scamozzi. The Interior decoration of the house itself had taken great influence from astronomical theories and cosmological thinking – the house itself has been described in a Catalogue from Dunham University Library of Thomas Wrights Manuscripts which dates from c. 1730-1786:

‘The main entrance was on the south-west elevation and was reached by a flight of steps to a terrace: from here he could enjoy a view of Byers Green, the Roman Camp and the evening sun. The house was decorated with astronomical image: for example the staircase contained a large scheme of the Universe, the visible creation, the sun, moon and systems of the planets and comets.’

Garden View.	Summer house Entrance.	Site Image Google Maps.
Roofing Detail.	Historic Plotting Plan.	Exterior Façade.
Grade II Listed.	Foliage Growth.	Brickwork.

Images courtesy of Jason Mordan, Senior Historic Practitioner at Nottinghamshire County Council.

This Cosmological influence within the main house that once was, is of great significance to my scheme. The Gothic Summer house is the last remain of the Temples existence. In essence here, It would be a case of restoring that cosmological influence and presence of being one with the world, on site again. The historic context of the site would make this a possible site location. However, this site is located next to a busy motorway (M1) which would not be applicable for the scheme due to both the noise pollution and the light pollution.

This building has been placed on the buildings at risk register for the following reasons:

‘Roof has gone at the apex. Ashlar steps subsiding. Vegetation growth from parapet and turret.’ – Planning Department, Broxtowe Borough Council.

The Site needs to be out in the Landscape in a serene yet rustic environment where we can feel the earth and see the Universe that surrounds us – enhancing our connection and perception of self.

Option Two - Ruins of St. Helens Church, South Wheatley.

The Ruins of St. Helen’s Church situated in South Wheatley are still under the control of the Parochial Church Council. In c.1883 the church was partially demolished and de-roofed, therefore the remaining ruins are situated on the northern end of the local graveyard. Work has started in regards to the conservation of the site and the upheaval of overgrown ivy that continuously surrounds the site.

The Location of this site is admirable – situated in a small town on the top of a hill which is ideal for gazing out into the night sky. The height of the building itself is also appealing which would make it a possibility to view the landscape from a variety of heights in a variety of different spaces. The ruin of the Arch situated in front of the tower, in my opinion, is aesthetically beautiful which would make us feel as though we have passed through the barrier of reality and into a place for the soul.

The Ruins of St.Helens Church.	Archway.	Site Plan.
Brickwork.	Roof Detail.	Height of Build.
Rot and Decay.	Arch.	Interior Roofing.
Context of Landscape.	Relation between Buildings.	Roof and View.
Site Context.	Window Detail.

Images courtesy of Jason Mordan, Senior Historic Practitioner at Nottinghamshire County Council and Andrew Walster - St. Helen's Churchwarden.

‘The important thing that we have to remember is that the ruin is a scheduled ancient monument and treated as an archaeological site. So the object is to conserve what remains, not to restore it and in doing so create something that never was.’ – Andrew Walster, Churchwarden.

The reality of it being situated in a graveyard conceptually is an interesting notion – combining science and religion. Although, the site is a morose location to question oneself and our individual significance. The graveyard is still under protection from the Parochial Church Council and English Heritage; graves would have to be left untouched making the experience a sombre one; where individuals would not feel connected with the world more so quite the opposite.

Option Three - Blidworth Mill.

Blidworth Windmill is currently privately owned with the owners looking to engage the local community in saving the site for future generations. The Mill itself is currently Grade II listed, dating back to c.1816. It is of brick construction and was in use during the First World War.

The remains are ‘Red brick, partly rendered and tarred. Currently it is roofless. Built on a low ashlar plinth, it has three storeys with two doorways and eight window openings.

Reason for Risk: Unused and in poor condition. This tower mill has no roof coverage to its final stage and the casement windows have perished. There is also attention needed to the brickwork. There are access issues to the site which may have contributed to the lack of re-use.

Risk Level: Extreme’ – [Nottinghamshire County Council, Buildings at Risk Register. Website, accessed 22/11/2014.]

Site Map.	Materials and Sky.	Exterior of Mill.
Blidworth Mill Map.	Blidworth Landscape.	Interior Brickwork.
Blidworth Historic Images.	Private Owners of the Site.	Architectural Drawings.

Images courtesy of Jason Mordan, Senior Historic Practitioner at Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Historic Buildings Trust and Barker Langham with Soul Architects.

The location of the site is idyllic – situated in a vast landscape with a panoramic views of greenery and open space. There are a minute amount of residential homes towards the tail end of the mill – however, these still appear segregated from the site. It is situated in an Area which is caped in myth and legend regarding sites of ancient importance in the culture of Nottingham and the folktale of Robin Hood. The landscape itself is encapsulated in themes of innocence, power, significance, and free will.

The Mill itself has an astounding presence of ephemerality alone – with the appearance of open decay portraying the effect of time throughout the fabrication. There is a real sense of being and earth here, portraying the effect of time and how structures may not simply exist but how they can weather and still be re-born- not simply a fleeting existence. In my opinion this site is very special –it is bold, it stands alone; the essence of place, time and experience here is exactly what I want to create and enhance within my final design.