Exploring concepts
The second step to exploring how parts of the Margate community can be brought together to create a program exclusively for these local communities. This phase was also the start of exploring abstract concept models, materiality and iterations inspired by different precedents in order to create the final design. Through design iterations and research, a final design was created thus allow me to map out the movement of people around the new site proposal.
Disclaimer - The drawings are fully scaled at A1 size.
Exploring communities -bubble diagrams
 Exploring retirement |  Moving from religion to ethnicity |  Proposed idea |
|---|---|---|
 Final proposal - Mind map |  Linking memories to Margate beach |
Brief
During my investigation of the Sunshine Cafe, I came to realise that the current state of the site and the information obtained beforehand, illustrated the great depth of history behind the site. The Sunshine cafe was first used as a diner, then quickly switched to a safe haven for soldiers during the war and then was deserted again after its reopening which shows that there were different functions with the Sunshine Cafe throughout its years during its life cycle. Apart from this, I have also researched was the Margate community had to offer. I found that there is a high percentage of residents aged 60+ years that reside in Margate and the high number of retirement homes in Margate are proof of that. Furthermore, there resides a small number of ethnic minorities in Margate through secondary research and investigating the number of ethnic restaurants that are currently in operation, however, these ethnic communities are out of touch with each other. This led me to begin about the history that the elderly has experienced during their time in Margate and how this could be archived for others to look back on in the future. In addition, the elderly experience a high sense of loneliness due to the lack of communication between the other age groups in Margate. I will create a story-telling centre known as “Margate Memoir” which will be run by the elderly. The purpose will be to allow visitors to write their own history through empty journals, photo albums and diaries or through verbal means such as performances or speeches. This will allow history to be written and preserved for many years. With regards to preservation, the Sunshine cafe will be preserved as much as possible to keep the original layout of the interior. Food is an effective way to bring ethnic groups together. A hospitality programme can be created to serve ethnic food to visitors in order to create revenue. The educational aspect of the programme will mostly be through performances of the history of Margate, Dreamland and existing knowledge on the different ethnic cuisines and Margate itself.
Manifesto
Precedents
 Human library |  Talisker Wilderness Bar |  Food for Soul |
|---|---|---|
 Zauo |  Tawe |  Kungsbacka units |
Concept models - Operative
In order to dwell further into how space is created, concept models were made. These concept models explored the operatives that will be used when designing the space of the Sunshine Cafe. Majority of the models have been cast to play with different forms and have been playing around with colours such as white, purple and pink.
Two separate pieces were merged together to make one shape, the separate pieces are categorised with different colours, heights and thicknesses. The model will be used to interlock with another model.
A block of cast was created using two different colours. A fragment of material from the sunshine cafe has been taken and merged with the block of cast. I wanted to show that it is possible to merge both elements of old (the material fragment) and new (the cast block) together in one space.
Two separate pieces are put together to make one rectangular shape. In addition, nails from the site have been obtained to insert into the cast. This is to show that the nails were once part of the walls of the Sunshine Cafe.
The casting was explored with a pattern by using red powder while the mixture was drying.
The model has a square gap in the middle, displaying the carve in the middle. Furthermore,fragments of concrete found on the site of the Sunshine Cafe have been infused with the cast while it was drying.
Concept models - Interaction
Different concept models have interacted with each other through the forms of interlocking and embedding. This was done to test how different shapes and textures can form one shape. This can then eventually aid me in making custom made furniture that is multifunctional for the visitors to use.
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Models 1 experimented with how two models with similar material pallets but different scales can interact, for this instance, I have placed the smaller model overhanging on top to illustrate how different levels of space can be created.
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Model 2 focuses on balancing a large model which resembles a rock (mostly found on beaches) on nails obtained from the site. This is to illustrate how Margate beach and the Sunshine cafe - which are two separate places can interact into one space.
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Models 3-6 are the same models but I have experimented with the different positions they can go with and this creates a different shape and concept each time.
Concept models - Margate Beach
In order to keep my focus in line, I set out to create models that resemble objects that would be found in Margate beach. I have done this because the design aspect of my program will be focused on and I wanted to experiment with various casting methods and colours to be able to design furniture that resemble Margate beach.
This method used sourdough bread in which a square was cut out in the middle and the cast was poured in.
This method used sourdough bread in which a circle was cut out in the middle and the cast was poured in.
This method of casting changed shape by using a baguette as its mould and a balloon was placed to experiment with the change of shape.
With this casting process, I wanted to experiment with how the waves move in the sea. I poured the cast in layers to achieve this outcome.
This model is part of the rock series and was made in sourdough bread.
This model is part of the rock series and was made in sourdough bread. However, this model experimented with different colours.
With this model, I have combined shells with a casting model that looks like a rock. This model was the starting point to experiment with models that would resemble elements of the beach in Margate.
A bonfire requires a seating space and this model was inspired to make a rock-like surface for the purpose of seating.
The surface of this model resembles a rock but there is a hollow space in the middle. I wanted to experiment with how much we can carve in the the shape of a rock to create an interesting design.
Materiality model
The materiality model draws inspiration from the materials found in Margate Beach. These materials include concrete - from the steps that lead down to the beach, cedarwood, which is used for the interiors of the Haeckles Sauna, White chalk rock - the material of the rocks and glass and plastic, which is found in Margate beach due to pollution.
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The design of the materiality model has been inspired from the granite piece I have obtained from the sight as part of my forensic analysis.
Design pitch presentation
Design development/Make space
The purpose of these writing tables are used to write on. The surface is made using white chalk rock and the bottom of the tables are supported with shelves made out of cedar wood. The tables are supported by wheels that can move the tables around. The shape of these tables are inspired by continents such as Asia, Middle East and Africa to include ethnic communities within the design of these tables. Furthermore the heights of the tables accommodate different heights.
The bonfire is a way to gather people around to discuss their memories in Margate. The design of bonfire went through different iterations. At first I have made a typical bonfire setting, but then this later evolved from gaining inspiration from the wheels used in the Haeckles Sauna which later evolved my design.
As part of the community kitchen, I have made tables made out of concrete with store books such as blank journals, diaries, magazines and photo albums. The layout of these dining tables were experimented with to utilize the movement of space between the tables and the site.
For the community kitchen, I have thought about how I should be environmentally friendly, I wanted to go with table tops made from recycled plastic found on Margate beach and industrial reclaimed wood which will act as the base. There will be sufficient storage supplied to allow chefs from ethnic restaurants to come and store their relative cooking equipment.
To keep in line with the theme of Margate Beach, I wanted to use a fishing boat as a stage. This is because Margate used to operate as a fishing port during the 1800s. Through further evaluation, it was seen that the boat shape could be adapted to fit into the site itself because it can allow for intersection to occur with the new (the stage) and the old (Sunshine cafe).
Design proposals
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Spatial/Environmental Notation
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The environmental notation focuses on how I interacted with the site during the site survey. From the first glance, it can be seen that there is barely any interaction due to the vast amounts of empty space although I've interacted with the space by picking up objects from the ground for my forensic analysis. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). This environmental mapping reflects how volunteers move around the space and interact with it. The various activities could include cooking, cleaning, sorting through books interacting with the programs such as participating in sharing experiences at the bonfire program or even performing at the stage. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The environmental notations show how visitors would interact with the site. They would mostly be able to interact with all of the furniture. The visitors don't have access to every part of the site compared to the volunteers who run the site. This is particularly seen where there is no interaction with the kitchen because it is only permitted for volunteers. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The spatial relationships goes into a closer view on how the furniture would be interacted with regardless of the volunteer and visitor. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The circulation map begins to show how movement can change due to the occupation of space by the program. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The programmatic relationships focuses on how there can be different interactions with the site, specifically the programs. The mappings shows examples of movement with different programs. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The programmatic relationships focuses on how there can be different interactions with the site, specifically the programs. The relationships are broken down into visitors and volunteers and their difference in their relationship with the programs. For a better view, click the link below.
Hybrid drawings
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The hybrid drawings focus on zooming into the programs being used by visitors or volunteers. The incidents on the map showcases an action happening and a micro-incident shows a zoomed and detail version of the incident. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The hybrid drawings focus on zooming into the programs being used by visitors or volunteers. The incidents on the map showcases an action happening and a micro-incident shows a zoomed and detail version of the incident. For a better view, click the link below.
(SCALE 1:100 IN A1). The hybrid drawings focus on zooming into the programs being used by visitors or volunteers. The incidents on the map showcases an action happening and a micro-incident shows a zoomed and detail version of the incident. For a better view, click the link below.