In Ruins
I am a proactive individual, who understands the critical point we are in history and the need to challenge the norms of society and of what already exists in the built environment. I believe architecture should honour the layers of memory embedded within our surroundings. When we demolish architectural heritage without reflection, we do more than just remove bricks and mortar, we erase the collective identity, history, and meaning of a place. These remnants of the past offer critical narratives that can enrich our future, and preserving them is an act of cultural and environmental responsibility.
This thesis serves as a protest and a call to action against the demolition of heritage and historic buildings. It stands as a catalyst for change, using Crewe Electricity Works as a tangible example of what a forgotten industrial ruin could have become. It showcases the opportunities it could bring to the people of Crewe, and how it could reignite a renewed sense of place and pride within the town.
The proposal addresses the social and spatial impacts of deprivation in Crewe through the creation of a farm-to-table experience. This framework fosters community resilience by cultivating new skills, strengthening local food systems, and tackling issues such as unemployment and social isolation, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can support both heritage and social wellbeing.
