Acts of Preservation

This thesis explores the adaptive reuse of a derelict Grade II listed former railway goods warehouse in Nottingham city centre, integrating it into the redevelopment of the Island Quarter. The project aims to transform this industrial relic into a vibrant cultural landmark, housing two theatres, workshop spaces, and a paint frame within the preserved structure.

Central to the design are two performance spaces: one theatre-in-the-round and another with a thrust stage. These immersive venues foster close interaction between performers and audiences. Their structural form draws on Pier Luigi Nervi’s studies of isostatic lines, creating a distinctive roofscape that both expresses force distribution and complements the site's historic character.