A cultural shelter - Tourism and arts centre supporting neurodiversity
The project was initiated in response to the lack of a cultural scene in Crewe. It thus aims to regenerate a deprived town centre that impairs the mental heath of its inhabitants and many commuters. Amongst them stands the neurodiverse community (ND) which is especially sensitive to the town’s issues, such as difficult wayfinding or lack of calm spaces. The masterplan counters these by rationalising the site and implementing green spaces for comfort and acoustic purposes.
Within this masterplan, the goal of the new main building is to offer creative spaces that include the ND in a revitalised cultural scene. While providing a cafeteria, flexible workshops and exhibition spaces, the building also offers a therapeutic inner part to prevent sensory overstimulation, which ND struggles with in public buildings. Using a chruch-like plan and the “sensory zoning” technique, each type of space is given their own atmosphere based on their intimacy level and the needs of neurodiversity. The result is a gradual atmospheric progression from the public realm to the garden and various conditions to choose from for improved inclusion.
