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Homeless Shelter Sheffield

Part 1 Project 2001
Thomas Mockett
University of Sheffield | UK
The project looks at Homelessness and it's associated problems and complications.

It is known that buildings and services are only usually provided when they are paid for by those looking to make a profit. Therefore, as homelessness is not a profit making industry it is widely forgotten. In this scheme I am assuming an idealised situation where homelessness is tackled across a wide variety of issues and is looked upon in a non-profit situation.

Often Salvation Army centres will provide shelter and food. Often clinics will provide the homeless with free medical care; rarely will both organisations offer both services. My project accepts that to begin to tackle homelessness in its wider context a centre is needed to fill in the missing pieces of a very large and complicated emotional puzzle. With the inclusion of three spaces, Shelter, Education and Information it is assumed that a multidisciplinary approach to dealing with homelessness can be achieved.

It has never been assumed that the building can end the problems of homelessness individually, locally or nationally. It is hoped however, that the organisation of these spaces can aid the necessary professionals in providing the homeless with the help and support they need to be re-integrated into society.

Thomas Mockett


This student's work has been consistently informed by his questioning of context and program. His working method has focused on producing set pieces throughout the project, allowing him to have a dialogue with others.

The student started in an unorthodox manner by allowing the initial brief to be initiated by smaller interventions on the site responding to interviews with potential occupants. This set the framework for subsequent investigations that were constantly challenged and re assessed.

The work shows a fantastic range of ideas, thoughts and motives. These manifest themselves in a coherent project set within the difficult urban setting of Park Square roundabout whilst assessing the difficult topic of homelessness. The resultant work is successful in that it offers a material appropriateness. This is represented by his fluid drawings that allow the user to engage with the work at all levels.

The intentions show a student who is confident to challenge pre conceived ideas and shows an awareness of the current debate about the ‘relevance’ of architecture.

2001
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