The brief was ‘to design a building that makes a difference’. The aim was to design a sustainable twenty-first century version of civic architecture for the people of Nottingham.

With this information, I designed an inclusive music centre where people can learn, perform, craft, socialise and freely express themselves in. The building I have designed is called ‘The Venue’ but is not just any venue. It is Nottingham’s venue. A place for musical growth and participation.

I understood the brief to be about giving back to the city, the building is to be a gift to the people. Nottingham has an art and cultural background. However, there is not one place that caters to multiple aspects. The existing places are buildings you attend for one purpose only.

Therefore, my vision was to design a venue where different experiences are created depending on usage. The design narrative I followed is one that encourages learning, creativity, and socialisation.

The centre is accessible for everyone, it is comprised of two buildings connected by walkways allowing direct access across both buildings. The centre is flexible. The spaces within are multi-purpose. The main function is to be a venue with a main performance space where concerts can take place. Other functions include education where music lessons and instrument crafting workshops can take place in the classrooms, workshop, and studios. To give back to the community there is a community run radio station as well as spaces where music therapy can occur for those in need. There is also a prominent community and social aspect as there are cafes and bars, jam lounges and external courtyards where people can socialise, relax, and perform. The double courtyard is designed to draw the public in giving a sneak peak at the larger picture of the centre.