Bursledon Brickworks.

In addition to a response to the existing structures an engagement with their surrounding situation and setting should also require specific attention as part of the overall whole.

The setting for the brickworks has been much fragmented and reduced from its original format at the height of its manufacturing capabilities, however it still retains an established and strong narrative of movement in regards to how it is currently used that relates directly to its original function.

To elucidate, the clay was originally dug from adjacent pits to the east of the site before moving in a linear process through the works themselves, moving from formation to drying and then finally firing before being moved to the river for transportation; primarily to Southampton.

By re-establishing and strengthening this narrative new functions and activities will sit far more comfortably within the building. This is as appose to occupying the structures in a fragmented and unassociated way; as is the case at present.

Visitors currently enter at the eastern extreme of the site before moving west towards the works. However at this point their movement and journey around the sites and buildings becomes disjointed and confusing.

The below concept therefore attempts to re-establish the clear route from the land to the rivers edge and furthermore references the gradual stratification of the site, caused by clay extraction, through the intervention of north to south installations that protrude from the ground and form a physical framework along the primary east to west route.

Onto this framework new activities can attach themselves which are subsequently accommodated within the structures of the brickworks itself and within new structures, which will possibly include accommodation, education, retreat and business facilities.