Bridging The Layers: Tales That Connect
Manchester has long been a city of transformation, evolving from its industrial roots into a dynamic urban landscape. Consistent with the regeneration vision Landsec U+I have for Mayflied. This project envisions transforming a neglected urban stretch between Depot Mayfield, a hub of regeneration, and Ardwick, an untouched district rich in history.
In this spirit of renewal an Elemental Retreat emerges as an ambitious project supported by Story Corp, a charity that records and shares diverse life experiences, to reconnect two radically different areas, through community engagement, preserving green spaces, and intergenerational story exchanges.
Extensive site investigations revealed unexpected juxtapositions, exposing a quiet symbiosis between human impact and ecological resilience. Using a fishing magnet uncovered buried metal remnants, highlighting how nature repurposes man-made. By transforming fragmented observations into a living Retreat, the project stays rooted in its landscape, history, and people.
Inspired by the symbiotic relationship between discarded urban elements and nature’s quiet reclamation, the retreat embraces fire, earth, air, and water to guide visitors through a process of healing, reflection, and transformation, ensuring harmony between people and their environment.
Ensuring that the structure evolves over time rather than becoming obsolete, the project promotes material circularity and fosters community participation in traditional craftsmanship, reinforcing ownership.
The Elemental Retreat unfolds in four phases:
1. Bridge the Gap (1 Year): Establishing connectivity across the Mancunian Way.
2. Hortus Conclusus (3 Years): Constructing enclosed gardens to anchor the retreat.
3. Story Intervention (4 Years): Building thatched storytelling cones with citizen involvement.
4. Build Around (10 Years): Expanding spaces, fostering community participation, and securing the retreat’s long- term presence.
The Retreat serves as a catalyst for social change, reinforcing Manchester’s identity through heritage, sustainability, and citizen activation. Standing as a testament to tradition, adaptation, and community resilience for generations to come.
