CADE have been working on a scheme to convert a former agricultural fruit store on the campus into business ‘start-up’ studios for recent graduates of art and design. This developmental process included a seminar day facilitated by the architect Jeremy Ashworth to consider requirements for the conversion.

Through workshops, discussion groups and model making, conceptual ideas were generated for aspects of ‘The Core’ (a name conceived for the converted building), ideas that explored the building’s potential and provided a greater understanding of the individual and shared space requirements of potential occupants. The group was made up of local artists and designers, including students, at various stages in their academic lives and professional careers.

The seminar has given CADE greater insights into the issues and elements that need to be addressed in the preparation of an effective architect’s brief for a conceptual design sketch of the building.