The Havenverse
The Havenverse is a climate-responsive architectural proposal situated in the coastal town of Whitehaven, developed within the Infrastructure Space atelier and drawing inspiration from Cedric Price’s Fun Palace. Conceived as a hybrid transportation and cultural hub, the project reimagines infrastructure not merely as a conduit for movement, but as a dynamic, community-oriented space that supports social, environmental, and cultural functions.
Responding to both the town’s historical context and future-facing sustainability goals, The Havenverse integrates a series of environmental design strategies aimed at enhancing building performance and occupant comfort. These include passive ventilation systems, photovoltaic panels for renewable energy, optimised orientation to maximise solar exposure, and an innovative greenhouse-like enclosure that creates a controlled microclimate, improving both thermal comfort and daylight access throughout the year.
Beyond its technical strategies, the project embraces flexibility and openness as key spatial qualities, allowing the hub to adapt to changing community needs. It encourages public participation, informal learning, and cultural exchange—transforming the traditional perception of infrastructure from static and utilitarian into something playful, accessible, and ecologically conscious.
The Havenverse shows how architecture can mediate between infrastructure and imagination, embedding sustainability into the everyday urban experience while fostering stronger social ties. It positions itself as both a functional node in the town’s mobility network and a symbolic space for collective future-making.
