Heart Of Temple Meads
[Bristol]
Discipline: Architecture - Year 3
Project: Multi-Functional Retail Space
Client: Local Community, travellers
Year: 2022 - 2023
This project, titled Heart of Temple Meads, is an innovative architectural response to sustainability, social integration, and economic development. Inspired by biologic architecture, the project explores how buildings can behave similarly to biological systems to create sustainable and dynamic urban environments. Located at the heart of Bristol Temple Meads, the site was chosen for its bustling social activity, diverse user groups, and strategic location within the Temple Quarter district. The project's primary objective is to establish a multi-purpose food court that addresses Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health and Well-Being, Reduced Inequalities, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption and Production. By incorporating elements of urban agriculture, the project aims to create a self-sufficient food ecosystem that enhances community engagement and minimises environmental impact.
The design process began with an extensive site analysis to understand user movement, environmental factors such as sunlight and wind patterns, and social activity. Observations revealed that the site's network of pathways and transport links resembled the shape of a heart, which inspired the metaphorical concept of the building acting as the 'heart' that nourishes the surrounding area. This metaphor shaped the building’s circulation, with key routes functioning like veins and arteries, while spaces within the building symbolised different biological components. The concept of urban agriculture became central to the project’s sustainability strategy, where food production is integrated directly into the building’s design. Various farming methods such as vertical farming, rooftop gardens, and indoor agriculture were incorporated to ensure the food court could generate produce on-site, reducing the need for external deliveries and lowering its carbon footprint. The design underwent several iterations to refine spatial organisation, material selection, and facade concepts, ensuring alignment with both environmental performance and user experience.
The final design is a three-story food court that seamlessly integrates sustainable agriculture, social spaces, and efficient service corridors. The ground floor serves as the main social hub, accommodating retail spaces, dining areas, and social seating spaces. The first floor incorporates kitchen spaces, workshops, and indoor agriculture designed to educate visitors about sustainable food production. The second floor, featuring rooftop greenhouses, maximises food productivity while providing additional cafe spaces for relaxation. The building's facade draws inspiration from the iconic arches of Bristol Temple Meads station, using Glulam timber structures for both aesthetic appeal and structural support. The environmental strategy includes rainwater harvesting, a water purification system, and passive heating and cooling strategies to reduce energy demand. Additionally, a comprehensive fire safety strategy, accessibility measures, and sustainable material selections ensure the building is safe, functional, and environmentally conscious. By combining sustainable food production with community-focused design, the Heart of Temple Meads offers a forward-thinking architectural response to the growing need for eco-conscious urban spaces.