Architecture today has become completely removed from the craftsmanship that once gave buildings their character. In order to fully explore the ideas of craftsmanship in architecture I have focused on the program of a museum for craft as well as a campus for crafts. This development includes a set of workshops, classroom spaces, a library as well as living spaces for craftsmen in residence and students. The campus is located on the site of Belton Court in Barrington, RI. Left abandoned and awaiting demolition this site served as a college in Rhode Island for decades. Centered on a beautifully crafted estate, this site served as the perfect location for a campus dedicated to craft. Given the importance of craftsmanship to the concept of relating old to new, the site’s historic aspects are pivotal in the conceptual narrative of the campus.
The three main elements explored in this project were history, craft, and sustainability. Through the close ties to the estate and the use of local New England vernacular style, the ties to history were made. In terms of craft, the main emphasis on the programming and contemporary yet refined detailing allowed for a much more modern interpretation to the concept to be made. Finally sustainability was achieved through the strategic use of existing buildings foundations as the guidelines for the design. Utilizing the existing footprints and only expanding upon them when space was limited allowed for a unique method of constantly referencing the old while looking towards the goals of the future. When more space was needed the additions or new buildings were designed to have a minimal impact on the site through a raised structural system. Trees were kept rooted to the site whenever possible and existing paths were utilized in drawing connections to the new buildings. Finally, for the buildings that would be removed from the site their foundations would remain and be capped to accommodate for social gathering spaces.
Ultimately, the program works to create a connection between the historic manor, and the new gallery building that is sited adjacent to the structure. This gallery is the only addition that roots itself with a foundation of its own tying together the historic manor with a space to display the art pieces that would be created by students and masters using the campus as a place to create. Through history and the close focus on sustainability and craft as key principles for the design, the project unites an abandoned site into a thriving community of craftsmen.
