Intervention - Theatre
SEATON DELAVAL
The mausoleum of the Delaval family is currently standing as an open historic ruin and is fabric is listed as Grade 1, which means that is legally protected from demolition. The project aims to give a new function to the building that of a small scale Theater. Elegant alternations and intervention is required to fit the new functions of the theater. In addition consideration of the landscape around will be needed.
assignment submission: 09 / 12 / 2014
The site plan on the left analyze how the mausoleum seats in its context in terms of:
-Its orientation against the north point
-How is being surrounded with the ha-ha wall and the distances from it in all sides.
-How is being affected by the main weather conditions such as the prevailing winds of the area and the sun path.
The proposed design aims to celebrate the existing structure and capture ideas mainly influenced by the Greek amphitheaters where the structure was used to cover the back-home facilities and the landscape around was formed to act as the performance place. The new scheme of the mausoleum is looking to expose the structure to the public as scenery during the performances.
At the same time new structures will be designed, to accommodate main facilities, without touching the existing structure of the mausoleum.
The materials pallet will be limited to light weight materials that will not cause any damage to the existing structure and on the same time blend with the landscape and the surrounding area.
The surrounding nature will not be affected. Instead it will be part of the atmospheres of the theatre creating a mystery during the performances.
Ground floor:
Has been mainly formed by the two inserted structures which will accommodate all the needs of the public: Ticket booth, Cloakroom, disabled WC, WC, Bar and Exit to the seating area.
BASEMENT - CRYPT
The crypt accommodates only the needs of the theatre and the actors’, storage and dressing rooms are the main spaces designed in this area.
This separation of the back house and the front house allows the use of the Ground Floor during the winter when the use of the amphitheater will not be possible due to the weather conditions.
The rendered section shows the inhabitation of the space and the two different textures of the inserted furniture.
Mahogany has been chosen for the main structure where as I have chosen timber covered by golden leaf for the Bar. These two textures aim to show the difference between the old and the new and to show the big spender attitude of the original owners (Delaval Family)
According to Peter Zuthmor we all have an unconscious emotional response to a music tempo and the same thing happens with an architecture element. Repetition of the arches highlights the perspective of the space and invites you to get closer to the window and admire outside view.
The light penetrating both from the window and the roof reflects on the gold fibres of the wooden bar and looms into the space creating a feeling of royalty and holiness. The intervened bar though contrasts with the old stone structure of the building. The marks of mould on the old stones justify the humidity in the atmosphere which leads to a pleasant cool temperature in a warm summer afternoon in the North East. The circular shape of the new intervention creates a feeling of enclosure with the only escape being the window and its views. It is a light structure gently attached to the heavy stone work respecting the history of the building.
External Perspective looking the amphitheater (East elevation)
