Situated in southwest London, Croydon is the site chosen for my project to design a Palace for the People. My proposal is close to East Croydon train and tram station, which forms the site’s key characteristics and makes it very accessible. The site is currently being used as a parking space.
My proposal for the Palace for the People of Croydon is a contemporary community space with a generous, open plan form to accommodate various uses. It is a seven-floor building assembled by stacking very deep cross-laminated timber beams which span the entire length of the building from corner to corner. The stacked CLT system creates bold corners and gives the building a clear tectonic expression, a strong sense of rhythm and a sense of balance.
CLT sequesters carbon, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the building in stark contrast to the traditional concrete and steel buildings in Croydon. In addition, the building is future proof due to the flexibility of the floor plans. In designing my building, I have tried to bridge the gap present in the oxymoronic title “Palaces for the People” and make it a people’s place that is defined and controlled by them. I have kept people at the heart of the proposal, which aims to create a strong sense of belonging while being a site-specific design. I have tried to design a space that is socially inclusive, spatially diverse and visually attractive.
Believing in yourself as an architect is very important other than being socially aware and good at your craft because imagining the creation from concept to construction of something that doesn’t exist can only come due to a strong belief in yourself and your craft.