PURE PRESENCE
THE CARIBTECTURE RESEARCH CENTER
YEAR FOUR, SEMESTER TWO, CARIBBEAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE.
TUTOR: ARCHITECT OMARI WRIGHT
This Project has won:
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Best Final Design Studio Project (Academic Year 2021-2022) - Caribbean School of Architecture, Award for Best Final Design Studio Project Award for 4th Year in the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies.
The Caribtecture Research Center aims to be a home for Architects, designers, and artists from around the Caribbean, where architectural history, design, and heritage are celebrated and recorded. A study that is of great value but currently lacking within the region. The Caribtecture Research Center aims to become a home for this initiative.
The design concept "the Caribbean town square" (or square, plaza, public square, city square, urban square, or piazza) this is an open public space commonly found in the heart of a traditional town but not necessarily a true geometric square, it is used for community gatherings. Town Squares were very prevalent in Montego Bay’s History. Concept application: the creation of various volumes and spaces which dance around to a similar circulation pattern, moving upwards around the square's green heart.
Perspective along Jimmy Cliff Boulevard
Conceptual Diagram
Site Plan
Location
The site is located along Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay, St.James, Jamaica.
This area is home to many tourist-oriented areas. The site boundary includes Jimmy Cliff Blvd. a major vehicular and pedestrian strip; with the beachfront opposite the strip. Buildings on the right (south) and left (north) are existing commercial buildings and a newly built Modern Art Museum. The backside of the site is elevated about 10 meters and is home to a raised parking lot.
Front Elevation along Jimmy Cliff Blvd.
Site Section, looking South along Jimmy Cliff Blvd.
Concept Sketch Design Evolution
Central Green Space | Green Square
which aids Montego Bay in the addition of green spaces.
Addressing the challenges posed by the Climatic elements led to the implementation of a climatic screen. Inspired by the combination of Tropical Palms and Modern Carnival Custom Design.
PROGRAM
3rd & 4th Floors
Design Studio Incubators
Roof Installation (Art Gallery)
2nd Floor
Archive Level 2
Exhibit Space- Architectural Designs
Library Level 2
1st Floor
Archive Level 1
Lecture Hall
Research Room
Ground Floor
Caribtecture Bookshop
GreenHeart Cafe
GreenHeart Park
Exhibit Space
PARKING LOT + EXHIBIT SPACE + PRESENTATION HALL + LIBRARY
LECTURE HALL + LOBBY + LIBRARY | EXHIBIT SPACE
CAFÉ + LOBBY + JIMMY CLIFF BOULERVARD
The Design
Floorplans
the Greenspace incorporates many local plant species and tropical plants native to the Caribbean region.
Ground floorplan
Entry Green Space
Research Library
First floorplan
the second floor is accessible from the raised parking lot, its entrance leads to an open Floor Exhibit Space for design and architectural presentations.
Second floorplan
PARKING LOT + EXHIBIT SPACE + GREEN SPACE + LIBRARY
LECTURE HALL + GREEN SPACE + LIBRARY
EXHIBIT AREA+ GREEN HEART + JIMMY CLIFF BOULEVARD
