A Civic Building Celebrating Caribbean Culture
Atelier 01: Sitopia
Project
Inspired by ‘The Missing Thread’ at Somerset House, which showcased Caribbean art and fashion, I was struck by the cultural significance of clothing in Caribbean and British cultures. A banner on Caribbean performance's importance in self-expression, symbolising “resistance,” “dignity,” and “confidence,” intrigued me. This inspired my vision for a space in Nottingham where the public can engage in cultural activities for personal growth. Exploring Caribbean performance, I focused on rag rug making, symbolising dignity. I experimented by wrapping cloth around a box and created a model using foam and plastic to replicate the cloth's appearance. These experiments aim to integrate Caribbean art into a community space for cultural engagement and personal growth.
I'm creating a cultural hub celebrating the Windrush generation's unique influence on British society, showcasing the intangible heritage Caribbean's brought. My pavilion embodies a sense of shelter and security, with spaces including a theatre, market stalls, a music lounge, authentic Caribbean restaurants, carnival workshops, a rooftop allotment, and garden. Through my architectural focus on a weaving method reminiscent of Caribbean rag rugs, I explore the significance of performance in design, enriching our community's cultural landscape."
