With instructions to create a contemporary viewing platform for the Lincoln Cathedral at Monks Abbey I began by looking at the surrounding areas and found both children and adults use the area. Because of this I decided upon a structure that can be used for both but in different ways. Using a cage structure I was able to make a free, open space bringing the both interior and exterior together. The structure also enables children or any visitor to explore and climb through the space making their own journey to the viewing platform on the 2nd floor; though set pathways are provided.
Throughout the free space voids are formed to create rooms, one left for nature overtime to grown creating an escape within the steel pipe structure. These spaces are free to be used in anyway the visitor wants, each has their own viewing platform through the existing buildings windows; incorporating the existing features to the new build. Glass flooring is used therefore not taking away the views above and from the formless quality of the viewing platform.
Once discovering the main platform you are able to see not only the cathedral but the surrounding area. A sheltered viewing space is also available contrasting with the open feeling of the main building.
A main specification for this project was the model making aspect, one 1:50 scale model and also a 1:1 detail model which for my design in the triangular webbing the join the scaffolding pipes. The 1:50 models show the opening viewing platforms in comparison to the existing windows, the main voids in the structure and also the overall effect of the free structure and platform.
