Week 6 - Possible Architectural Directions

After talking to some residents of Mullumbimby about the existent museum and its activities it became clear that the lack of space preclude its use as a space of cultural interest and leisure for the people. The museum houses a library of all city periodicals and it is constantly growing and because of that the post that worked along with the museum had to be moved and the computer classes that were offered in one of its rooms had to be halted. According to the citizens the market is, at the moment, the most popular attraction that occurs in the museum and it is while the market is happening the only moment that the museum stays open.

Taking this scenario in consideration the creation of a new extension to the museum seems extremely nescessary in the way to ampliate its capacity and possibilities, it will make it posible to behold new activities, turning it into more interesting and atractive space. 

The first idea of the central square remains but now I'm thinking about a more flexible area; I want the fountain but I also want to utilize that space for the market so, the water pumps can be turned off and then other activities can begin. I also want to intodruce some opportunity for the night time, possibly an outdoor cinema, that will took place in the same square. As the city doesn't have many options for going out at night - speacially for kids and teenagers who still don't have age to frequent the city pubs - the cinema idea stood out as very atractive and enjoyable activity for people of all ages.

These firsts concepts led me to these first sketches for the implantation of the square:

My intention was to make the extension turned to new square so it would be the conection between the old and the new part of the museum and it would work, as I wanted, as the central point of the project. 

To be able to deploy the extension in the desired way the old shed - where the historic machinery were exposed - was removed and the functions exercised by it will be transfered to a new exposition area inside the extention, this space will be also used to house exhibitions of local artists, as the city has an occupational history connected to the alternative culture, which has a strong link with the field of arts, I believe that to provide an area for locals to showcase their work is a very effective way to promote culture and connect the different generations of artists with the whole population of the city.
Taking in consideration the fact that, due to the lack of space in the old building the computer classes had to be interrupted, another uses that I'm intending to add in the extension is some workshops rooms where it will be offered the computer classes ( especially targeted to older residents who have some difficulty in following the new technologies) and possibly some arts and craft classes. Besides helping the older members of society to stay current and connected to the new trends, the workshops will also serve as a way to promote and to encourage the arts and new knowledge among people of all ages.

I am also considering including a small auditorium in the project plan, it will be designed especially for the locals and guests to give lectures, make presentations, small shows and theater pieces, etc.; I believe it is an interesting possibility because, in my opinion, the city lacks public spaces where residents can perform (and other activities) and it is a great option for culture and entertainment.

A small coffee shop is the last addition that I'm planning to do in the new extension, its role is to increase the comfort of visitors, so if somebody gets thirsty or hungry there will a place to eat and they won't have to leave the museum to look for a restaurant or another establishment.

Briefly, I sought to include in the plan of my project for the new museum, the return of the activities that were appreciated by the locals but that had to be discontinued for lack of space (classes/workshops), a new space for the realization of the market and the addition of the fountain (square/plaza), and new activities that will attract residents of all ages and provide new options for culture and leisure for them (cinema, auditorium, exposition space, coffee, etc). I believe that the new museum will also be a great opportunity for visitors to get in contact with the local culture and relax and thus, may also make the town of Mullumbimby more attractive to future residents.

Possible floor plans