Olivia's thesis project addresses a key town centre location that has lost it’s purpose because of the relocation of public function and the decline of retail. The aim of this project is to express the identity of the town centre and establish a successful relationship to public space. Contextual in nature and developed in response to social and physical characteristics, the proposal helps to translate the creative identity of Shrewsbury through form and programme. Home to the ‘Original Shrewsbury’ movement, locals are provided with office space for start up businesses, flexible retail units, diverse housing, and community focused public space. Re-conceptualising the original victorian department store addresses the prevalent issue of Britain’s historic high-streets by redesigning the user’s experience. Translating urban identity through tangible and intangible elements forms the backbone of this project and emphasises the need for modern interventions to respond sensitively to their context. Analogous design principles and the expression of memories are explored to help us achieve innovative in our fight against urban amnesia.
