Brewery Festival: Ardwick Neighbourhood, Manchester | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

The project site is situated at a crossroads where multiple major roads in the community converge, providing ample visibility and little to no traffic on the nearby road. Due to several recent historical events, the project’s location is on a derelict site in Ardwick where the only thing left of the site is the wall of a residential building.

Formerly a private hotel, the fire-damaged structure housed Manchester’s “hidden” homeless in deplorable conditions. Val’s, which provided housing for hundreds of the city’s homeless, has drawn scrutiny. There are about sixty rooms in the rowhouse. The darkness around them was illuminated as firelight burst from the windows. There had once been a lot of homeless people living in the rundown building, who came here for a brief period of time to find warmth and shelter. However, now their refuge was a mass of smoke and flames, abandoned and deserted.

Following the fire, the building within the former hotel was destroyed, leaving behind fragments of non-combustible masonry, and the only remaining part of the building was a deserted exterior wall. The building’s top floor was entirely demolished, leaving only an outside wall that faces the street as a reminder of its former existence.

One of Manchester’s largest and oldest neighbourhoods, Ardwick has seen a significant decline in community vitality over the years, with very few weekday group activities. As a result, the neighbourhood has gradually declined. The project used the definition of “play” to try and revitalise the community. Following the research, the decision was made to transform “play” into a “festival” and create a festival museum to revitalise the neighbourhood. The majority of the festivals that occur can also be held on the street where the museum is situated.

Design Process

Construction Process: Old factory buildings can be revitalised within the framework of Manchester’s vibrant festive culture. Beer culture can help transform an abandoned wall in the derelict factory near Ardwick Green into a display façade and a neighbourhood gathering spot for festivals. The entire project revolves around the idea of playfulness, which seeks to provide locals with a way to express their civic power and use playfulness to contribute to the growth of their community.

Philosophical Implications of Play: A more profound comprehension and appreciation of games, play, and leisure activities are part of the philosophical definition of “play”. Play is more than just a simple behaviour from a philosophical perspective; it is a way of life and knowing. Firstly, play can be viewed as a creative and liberating expression. Through play, people can express their individuality and creativity, try out new ideas and actions, and transcend daily constraints and rules. Play can also be seen as an exploration and discovery process. Through play, people can learn about themselves and their potential, encounter novel situations and experiences, and cultivate a sense of curiosity and exploration about life.

Introduction of the Project Concept: Festivals are special occasions or events that are observed by communities, cultures, or religions. They are usually characterized by several organised performances, rituals, and gatherings. Festivals are significant in terms of culture, religion, and society and fulfil a variety of functions. Festivals serve as a means of reflecting and upholding a community’s common customs, values, and beliefs. Festivals offer a platform for people to unite, fortify social bonds, and showcase their shared identity via music, dance, cuisine, and traditions.

Key Typology of Different Festivals: The primary festival featured in this selection is BEER FESTIVAL. After a thorough analysis of the event, it was determined that beer manufacturing, which is a significant industry supporting the festival, is largely unknown to the general public. As such, it could serve as the centrepiece exhibit for the museum. When examining the entire beer production process, the arrangement of all the machines can serve as a guide for the movement of the figures within the museum, and the sequential discharge of the machines can direct the march of the figures.

Program Generation: 1) Welcome section: A welcome area, intended to be a cosy and joyous place, typically greets visitors to a holiday museum. 2) Exhibition Area: Showcasing different festival cultures, customs, and histories, the exhibition area is the focal point of a festival museum. Physical displays that eloquently convey to visitors the distinctive charms of various festivals may be included in exhibits. 3) Area of interactive experience: Festival museums typically offer interactive experience areas to enable guests to engage and directly experience the festival culture.

Final Outcome

The street serves as the address where the major celebrations usually take place, and the façade serves as the primary attraction for pedestrians to enter the building. These details are taken into consideration in the design of the panoramic views located within the site. The main concept behind a museum housed inside a structure is to present new perspectives that promote exploration.

Temporary canopies were also set up on the streets to offer visitors shade and areas to rest. These canopies are typically staggered on both sides of the road and constructed of vibrant canvas or tarpaulin. Underneath the canopies, basic tables and chairs are arranged to allow guests to relax, have a beer or a snack, and take in the lively atmosphere. The canopies let in sunlight, which creates a warm and inviting street festival ambiance. Additionally, these units are temporary; they can be easily removed when not needed and replaced when required.

The most important cabinet space in the project is the focal point of the structural design. This space is notable for its capacity to display different content based on the festival; as a result, the structure’s most notable attribute is also its adaptability. The most difficult part, though, is determining how to fasten the core frame to an abandoned wall.

The project intends to diversify the beer and bring the Oktoberfest closer to the beer-making process, making it more accessible to a larger audience. In addition, there are marketplaces and other locations where people congregate and socialise. Festivals serve as just a point in time and a chance to revitalise the location. The festival presents a chance to breathe new life into an abandoned structure.

Conclusion: The revitalization of Ardwick through the lens of “play” represents a creative and strategic approach to restoring community vitality. The initiative not only preserves the cultural heritage of Ardwick but also introduces a sustainable model for community engagement. By hosting festivals on nearby streets, the initiative reconnects residents, strengthens local identity, and breathes new life into the neighborhood, fostering a more vibrant and resilient community.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]