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

Week 5 - What if? Speculations and Scenarios

For my Community Node water was the main element responsible to attract and comfort people, in the form of a small fountain, cascades and a shallow pool but, with the new project scale there are bigger possibilities to be explored with the water and I want to explore them.

I believe the site area has the potential for a plaza along with the museum extension, a place where people can meet, eat, rest, take their children to play, infinite possibilities.. and, in that context, I think that water would be a great element of attraction during the day and in summer time. So my first architectural approach was the creation of a square in the center of the project where I'll to create a space of refreshment, where kids will be able to play using water and parents will have place to sit, relax, surf the internet and talk while watching them.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) the demography of Mullumbimby, North-eastern NSW, consists of a medium age population of 44 years old, 7 years above the overall Australian average. Due to the flourishing town’s economy in the 1970’ and 1980’s a predominant increase in population took place. Likewise its proximity to the touristic destination of Byron Bay made it an alternative cultural congregation spot for young people at the time, and it is still visible today that the population has a very strong appeal for the arts.

Nevertheless since then there has been a couple of factors that have not only crippled the town’s transformation over time but also created an everlasting discontent among its community, unnatractive and oldfashioned buildings and gruelling accessibility are part of the town's problems.

A considerable number of residents is living there only because of the proximity to Byron Bay - which in turn is a rather very attractive and touristc city that offers more options and activities for residents and visitors - but for a more affordable price. Disabling the railway line was also one of the factors that hindered access to the city making it less attractive to young people and travelers. 

As a personal experience, when I first tried to go to Mullumbimby it was weekend, I took a bus to Byron Bay and when I got there I discovered that there was only one bus going to Mullumbimby and only one coming back to Byron Bay, and there was only a 15 minutes of difference between them, so after all I did not get to city and had to try again in the next weekend with a rent car. The dificulty to get in the city without a car is real and is something that I believe to be one of the main problems about attracting new people. 

As only 15% of the population is between 15 - 34 years old the city has a relatively calm lifestyle, there's only 2 pubs there: The Middle Pub and the Chincogan Tavern and the main events are the Chincogan Fiesta (every September) and the Mullum Music Festival.

The open market is also very popular with the residents and farmers who sell fresh local products - The Museum of Mullumbimby only opens it's doors while the Markets are on.

If the rail line were to be open again I believe that the city would become a more acessible and attractive place for visitors and possible new dwellers. Another factor that could attract more people would be more leisure options and both daytime and night activities, places and cultural opportunities to frequent.

Week 4 - Physical Model

Week 4 - Community Nodes - final

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