Acts of Preservation
Project
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.
Project
The scheme also celebrates theatre-making as craft. A workshop and integrated paint frame support the in-house creation of scenery and stage sets, allowing raw materials like timber to be transformed into full-scale, two-storey backdrops. This facility serves both professional productions and educational initiatives, establishing the warehouse as a hub for creative industry.
The project embodies preservation through transformation, securing the warehouse’s relevance by embedding it in a contemporary cultural context. By balancing heritage with innovative architecture, the scheme reimagines the site as a stage for artistic expression and community engagement, reinforcing its role in Nottingham’s evolving urban fabric.
