The School of Living Tradition
Architecture: BArch
Malisa Sithara
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Atelier 03: Resonant memories: Echoes of the past, harmonics of renewal
Project
This project proposes a contemporary folk music school within the historic ruins of Newark Castle, responding to the atelier theme Resonant Memories. It aims to revive and reinterpret the cultural significance of folk music by creating a space for learning, performance, and shared experience.
Drawing from personal connections to rural life and inspired by the song “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?” by Fairport Convention, the design translates themes of memory, time, and the changing seasons into architectural form. The approach carefully balances old and new through an infill strategy that activates the ruins while respecting their historical integrity.
Project
The building incorporates vernacular influences such as timber construction, locally sourced materials, and expressive forms inspired by musical instruments, creating a contemporary yet rooted identity. A central, non-hierarchical performance space forms the heart of the scheme, encouraging inclusivity and informal participation.
Sustainability is addressed through passive design strategies, including controlled glazing ratios, solar gain optimisation, natural ventilation, and the use of thermal mass to regulate internal conditions. Material choices prioritise durability and low embodied carbon where possible.
The project seeks to foster cultural exchange, reconnect communities with heritage, and establish Newark Castle as a living, adaptable platform for music, memory, and community.
