OVERALL VIEW:
Our proposal for the Melrose Village begins with an adaptation of the unique terrain on site. We studied the platform levels across the site and created a terraced plaza to gently mediate the existing slopes. On this terraced plaza, we inserted a variety of recreational playgrounds, sports facilities and landscape features. On these terraces, the children and youth can play various sports and exercises, have a good time on their favorite playground or just simply enjoy a quiet afternoon gardening and planting their favorite herbs and flowers. We believe these activities will not only be positive pastimes but will also benefit these children from a social and psychological perspective.
The original building structure on site is modified to accommodate a variety of staff facilities, office spaces, public fronting services and therapy rooms. The front façade of the original building is taken down and in place we propose to install an airbrick façade to improve ventilation and maximize privacy. For the rear façade, we wish to expose the corridors, staircases and lift. This way, users of the original building have an uninterrupted visual assess to the activities in the terraced plaza. A new large overhanging roof is provided to improve shade and weather protection. Noteworthy is the dining hall that now sits at the base of our terraced plaza. It serves as a nodal point of the entire village. Children and Caregivers congregate here to turn it into a vibrant place for caring, sharing and learning.
Distributed around our terraced plaza are our accommodation blocks. The bedrooms, study and sleeping areas are located on the upper floors while the lower floors hold communal living, dining and kitchen spaces. Each and every space within the accommodation blocks is visually connected to the terraced plaza. The activities and interactions taking place there can be observed. This arrangement fosters an interactive, vibrant and inclusive environment. Children are encouraged to interact and play with one another. The accommodation bedrooms and study areas are screened with a layer of airbricks. This provides increased privacy for private areas in the accommodation block. In such a manner, newcomers can stay concealed in a private and reclusive space while safely observing the environment all while in the privacy of their own comfort zone. This design facilitates better integration of new children into the Melrose Village environment.
