© the antillia collective . Pubblicata il 06 Ottobre 2009.

The tack that we took with our design for the Sefton Waterworks proposal is rooted in formal interpretation. Through a richly layered series of conceptual ideas, we brought a conversation to involve the client and community groups, rather than imposing any esoteric iconic gesture. Some of these include taking inspiration for the design and layout of the building’s shell from canal boats, windbreaks and deckchairs, and the linear lighting wands are evocative of a kayak paddles’ trajectory, the elegant bony spines of fishes’ fins, or the motion of a manta ray’s fins.

© the antillia collective . Pubblicata il 06 Ottobre 2009.

By inviting passive evening engagement we hope to allay any detrimental out-of-hours use. The printed outer shell of PVDF coated polypropylene presents a robust surface for cleaning and maintenance; during the day it shelters the changing areas, and rolls back in the evening to protect the central section, which houses the inhabited areas and the canoe store. In this way, the changing areas at each end are revealed to become well-lit open social spaces, not unlike the British bandstand tradition.

© the antillia collective . Pubblicata il 06 Ottobre 2009.

Equally, the transient pavilion was designed with flexibility in mind- it is easily converted into a mountain biking base, or can store sand-yachts, paragliders and the like. It involves minimal site intervention and can be transported on two rigid flat-bed trucks, to a wide variety of sites. Additionally, the robust outer screen cladding can be easily and cheaply reprinted and replaced- so can incorporate any number of contextual or aesthetic graphic references, whilst retaining an identifiable profile.

© the antillia collective . Pubblicata il 06 Ottobre 2009.

© the antillia collective . Pubblicata il 06 Ottobre 2009.

© the antillia collective . Pubblicata il 06 Ottobre 2009.

© the antillia collective . Pubblicata il 06 Ottobre 2009.