Caitlyn Rintoul
Project Overview
The Web – a female focused co-working space and nursery.
The Web has been designed with the aim of creating a female co-working space and nursery space that can aid the return to work for mothers. As we all know, motherhood is a significant phase in a woman’s life, and it comes with its unique set of challenges. Unfortunately, statistics show that only 27.8% of mothers return to full-time work within the first three years following the birth of a child. Therefore, this project aims to bridge the gap and support mothers who want to return to work by providing a comfortable, safe, and functional space that caters to their needs and those of their children.
Project Aims
– To design a space that will offer a sustainable solution to the on-going juggling act that working parents experience with childcare.
– The space must allow mothers to work freely whilst knowing their child is safe.
– Capture the different environments within the space using light, colour and materiality.
– To create a distinctive and memorable workspace that celebrates the progress women have made in the workplace while acknowledging the challenges they still face.
Design considerations
– Accessibility for wheelchairs/ prams and buggy’s.
– The relationship between the nursery and work space.
– The current layout and infrastructure does not align with the proposed concept and there is a need for modern amenities.
Historic significance / Narrative
The buildings former use as a prison has added a unique and inspiring dimension to my design choices. On March 9th, 1914, Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was imprisoned in my chosen building, 4-16 Turnbull Street, Glasgow. She was imprisoned here after she was arrested for protesting and fighting for women’s rights. My proposal for providing a secure and supportive space for women in the workforce has been influenced by the experiences of women like Pankhurst who have faced oppression and discrimination.
Project Links
Site
Site: 4-16 Turnbull Street, Glasgow, G1 5PR
Formally known as Glasgow’s District Court Headquarters
The building occupies a prominent corner position on Turnbull Street and St Andrews Street with a view of the historical St Andrews on the Square Church. The three story, 49,500 square foot, Renaissance-style structure was constructed in 1903 by architect Alexander Beith Mcdonald. The building was built to function as the Glasgow District Court Headquarters, and it did so until 2008, when it ceased operations. Since then, it has been derelict. Located on the Eastern edge of the city and part of the Calton Ward, the area has a rich history and is known for its sense of community and activism. Turnbull Street, previously known as Low Green Street is a historic street near the large public park Glasgow Green. The Street is lined with tenement buildings, shops and other businesses and was a bustling commercial hub in the late 19th and 20th century.
Plans
co-working ground floor plan
co-working first floor plan
Communal spaces
Community and inter-user collaboration are strongly emphasised throughout the co-working facility and the communal spaces have been designed to promote this. Throughout the space there are various communal spaces seen as relaxed lounge spaces, coffee shops, dining area’s and a central court yard. These are spaces where mothers can socialise and connect through sharing experiences.
Welcome area - axo view
Cellblock Coffee
Court Hall
The Court Hall lounge space
The building’s most intriguing space is the former courtroom located on the first floor. A lot of light enters the room through the Venetian-style arched window and domed roof. The proposed design has preserved the room’s structural integrity while celebrating its original elements to produce a lounge area that feels exclusive to members. The courtroom lounge is a space where user’s can socialise, collaborate and create a community.
