The Armarium
Architecture: BArch
Joseph Middleton
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Atelier 02: Urban Monastery: a sanctuary of reflection
Project
In past generations, injustices carried out under English rule, domestically and across the world, were overlooked or minimised in favour of national pride or indifference. In recent years, efforts have been made to uncover and acknowledge these histories, giving voices to those affected by past actions. This represents a form of intergenerational learning, where societies reflect on mistakes in order to move forward responsibly. Despite this progress, aspects of this history are still only briefly addressed within education. Events that shaped the nation are often simplified, limiting opportunities for understanding and critical thinking. This project proposes a space that provides a non-biased and in-depth resource for the study of English history.
The building is conceived as a historic text research facility that repairs and houses texts and manuscripts from all areas of English history. Alongside this, a public free library and spaces for discussion are provided, creating opportunities for dialogue between researchers, students, and the wider public. By bringing together scholarship and community engagement, the project aims to support informed discussion and contribute to positive social and cultural change. By employing architectural details used in the construction of medieval monasteries (the armarium) and castles (the curtain wall), the building expresses its concept of intergenerational learning. By creating a building that feels both fortified and light, the space can become a sanctuary for learning and growth.
