Fair Ground

Women's Resource Centre, 14 Fieldgate Street, Whitechapel

This project was the final major project undertaken in the last 20 weeks of graduating from Ravensbourne. The site is located in Whitechapel, an area of diversity both in architecture, religion and inhabitants. This diversity is reflected in the local architecture and the large East London Mosque is opposite the site. The solution to social and geographical issues was formulated in a brief concerning the current environment women are surrounded by in their work and social life. There are still 20% gap between the genders regarding pay, and a new focus on sexuality from a young age present new and unhealthy ideals to young girls. The project looks at creating a safe place for women to connect and develop their skills. Through the concept of veiling and creating layers, the female zone is controlled by the women inhabiting it, allowing them to take control over their own environment. The building will house a 24 hours walk in clinic, language learning facilities, crèche, enterprise unit, freelance working space, in-house writers, refugee shelter, fashion retail store, hair- and nail salon, exhibition space , lingerie shop, kitchen utensils shop and a restaurant with a member’s lounge. Fair Ground aims to become a destination and place identifiable within the local community.