Multi-Faith Update !

David Walker was invited to present a case study of the project "Rest and MultiFaith Space" at Westfield Straford City at the recent Conference on MultiFaith Spaces held at Manchester University. The conference covered all aspects from research, design, theology, management, policy and the international context. The WaM project was presented as an exemplar and based around the idea that we should be "creating positive space not negative space".... like ALL of our projects. It was an amazing 2 days, with presentations from academics, artists and practitioners.....and everyone i talked to was genuinely impressed with the design we had produced - even so far as to pose the question "is this the future of MFSpaces? ". i personally think not as each and every situation is going to be different. Having experience of what drives these situations though - and now greater insight into the genre has been invaluable.

Enjoy these new pics taken recently by Isabel Aram-Walker

AMV BBDO space plan

WAM were appointed by AMV BBDO to provide strategic space planning services for a fluid and demanding workplace. The existing building had been subject to ad-hoc changes to meet constantly changing workplace demands over a number of years, and the first thing was to map out and understand how the current situation worked and identify areas where the layouts could be improved. There was a DAY 1 scenario to achieve, but WAM were keen not to go down the route of looking at the bigger picture so produced midterm and long term scenarios which showed how the existing building could be maximised for effective working in a dynamic work environment. This then informed the immediate goals to produce a solution which would be sustainable in the future.Our analysis of the existing showed that some groups were using furniture which was inefficient and inappropriate for the space and task at hand. Working with Furniture supplier Steelcase, we evolved a desking solution which would be more efficient in space terms as well as encourage better communication and collaboration of teams. It was also a higher quality product with a clear design intention.

RETAIL ACADEMY

The 10,000 sqft space is to provide training space as part of the new Westfield Stratford City Shopping centre to promote and foster employment skills of local people to be employed in the centre.

WAM responded with a clear rational design which provided training rooms and a “mock-shop”, but encapsulated a less classroom style and introduced a more collaborative environment, with a café space. This quality of space has meant that the Academy will be more flexible, responsive and user-friendly than originally envisaged.

The Retail academy will be a major resource to the shopping centre and to the community, bringing benefits to both.

http://www.walkerandmartin.co.uk/

MULTI-FAITH SPACE

WAM have worked on a variety of projects and the multi-faith project is a good example of being able to bring fresh-thinking to create something special.

Located in the new Westfield Stratford City Shopping centre, adjacent to the Olympic site – the space was to perform the difficult task of being welcoming to users, both non-religious and religious and from various faiths, to provide contemplation and calmness away from the retail environment.

This is achieved by a subtle split of the area into a reconfigurable main space and a smaller “side space” which has a multi-facetted timber ceiling with discrete lighting.

Axonometric views





http://www.walkerandmartin.co.uk/

Competition entry BCO - rethinking the future

Our competition entry explores a more sustainable future for the office and office campus; how the design will inspire a dynamic, mobile and responsible workforce to harness future technologies and thinking practices. The buildings themselves become power generators and hot houses of innovation. A pioneering spirit.

FLOW handle

Our competition wining door handle is now finally in production.

Winner of the ‘can you handle it’ competition sponsored by the Architects Journal and Allgood.

The design is a fluid organic shape first sketched in pencil, digitally developed using Maya computer programme, transferred to solid works for rapid prototyping and then ‘lost wax process’ casting in brass to develop samples before being reversed engineered for full production. Quite a process.

WAM website.

Initial sketches




Lost wax castings with various finishes




End product brushed finish




End product polished finish












AJ article 14.04.11

BREITLING PROJECT

Our design for the new Breitling workshop facilities located in Kent UK is up and running ……. and it looks fantastic.

The design capitalises on the engineering and historic excellence of Breitling watches. The impressive workshops are immediately visible form the reception and from the presentation and classroom suites above.

The Breitling story is graphically told using back lit wall panels. The signature marks of Breitling graphics and artwork are incorporated within the design displayed throughout the building.

The workshops provide an uplifting and highly serviced environment for the watchmakers.

Reception area









Break-out space





Training - Conference room



Workshop ceiling



Atrium



Reception ceiling