S P A C E

Time To Discover Birmingham...

SPACE reveals and highlights Birmingham’s spaces, from the concealed, anonymous to the grand and the favourite. From the many derelict buildings that stand without pur-pose and contain hidden secrets to the idealistic, tranquil areas. Certain spaces generate certain feelings and emo-tions, SPACE enables you to think and to start looking at our cities spaces differently and imagining the potential

they hold.

Does this

space have

a future?

We found the landscape of Birmingham dotted with lonely buildings which stood

without a purpose, Buildings that have been forgotten in time and are no longer used. These spaces stand out from the mundane office blocks and steel sky scrapers as their crumbling walls and peeling paint tell a story about the past. Through these buildings we gain a glimpse into Birmingham’s history and are able to imag-ine a previous way of life in the ever changing city.This chipped door used to be somebodies home, and now it remains shut. The grand surround gives the impression of a large town house; however this building stands alone on a side street. Does this space have the potential to be-come a house again? Or could its many rooms be transformed into a restaurant, which would invite people to experience a world of different tastes that reflects Birmingham’s diverse culture.

The broken windows and covered doors of this building once led into a space which was filled with industry. Now surrounded by offices that are run by machines does this building have a future? Its tall walls conceal a large space over many floors which would be perfect for a shop-ping adventure. Its small windows almost give this building a face, which is full of character and creates a sense of mystery. Could this space be filled with rooms full of unique clothes and collectable accessories?

This graffiti covered building sits on a busy main road and was once a space in which people gath-

ered as a community to enjoy the atmosphere of a bustling pub. The abundance of the local pub has slowly disappeared in this city over time as

communities grow bigger and more distant. This building is now left soulless and the space within

its walls is empty. Its white brick shell has now become a blank canvas for graffiti artists to experi-

ment. So what does the future bring to spaces like this?

In a city which battles with growing crowds any unused space is surely greatly wasted. Before the

bull dozer arrives and time runs out, could this space once again bring communities together?

With the small green area and gathering of trees it overlooks, would this be the ideal place for

an outdoor café? Summer afternoons could be spent here by families enjoying a slice of nature

amongst Birmingham’s hectic city life.

The bright blue of this building stands out from its concrete and brick surroundings. Once the home to

a family business, this space is now left empty and forgotten. The wooden clad walls make the building appear temporary, so does this space have opportu-nity in the future? Could the vivid blue of the walls be transferred inside the building and turned into a

large swimming pool?

So do these buildings and the space they contain have a future in Birmingham’s landscape?

A Tunnel through

Birmingham Space.

Lots of Birmingham’s space is captured in tun-nels. With roads, trains and canals creating

passageways through the city, but what else is there to find in this space? Tunnels can be some-bodies home, an artist’s canvas or a place to con-ceal. Take a journey through Birmingham’s tun-

nels and see what you discover.

Where’s your

space?

Certain spaces can trigger certain feelings and emotions. Humans associate particular feelings with different plac-es. Behaviour can change dramatically in a particular space. Some people may find a wall restricting and rather be in a large open park whereas others enjoy the comfort and security of enclosed areas. What’s your favourite Space? A publicized, corporate estab-lishment or a secret area in the calm and tranquil countryside?Here we have asked people living in Birmingham what their favourite space is in this magnificent city and why.

Canals and Park:I enjoy the peace of nature. Being away from the busy roads and crowds of people. .

I find the variety of colours and textures within nature inspirational.I consider these areas my “happy” space. I feel at home. My mind is more relaxed

and the fresh air and open space enables me to think clearly.

“

Selfridges:

Selfridges is such an iconic building in Birming-ham, and I absolutely love it. I could live there! There is an extremely wide selection to choose from, you can buy almost anything. I feel so posh and sophisticated in there, not so much a student!

Brindley Place

I constantly need to socialize! I endorse people. Brindley Place is a perfect place to catch up

with friends and have a good time! Set by the canal with the cobble paths gives it a romantic element this contrasting with the busy, atmos-

pheric bars makes the perfect combination.

Nandos just makes me happy. I love the food and have experienced it with so many friends; I know I’m going to enjoy it no matter what! The atmosphere keeps me relaxed.

Central Library. I come here to unwind. I love to read, and weirdly the smell of books. The calm, enlightening atmosphere is why I keep coming back. I love to socialize, but the silence really is golden. When it’s refurbished I can see myself there even more.

”Window from my Flat:

I could stare out my window all day and just watch the city go by. Being

on a high floor facing traffic is an immense, yet, comforting distraction.

I sit and daydream watching all the antics going on beneath me.

Can we

change this

space?

Can urban

mix with

rural?

Can Birmingham be ruralised? The city is known to be an industrial city and continues to be that way. Nature lovers may find this disappointing, especially as there is

very little sign of any rural living in the city centre. Places such as Bournville in Birmingham are very ideal-istic and green. Elements of this could really have a posi-tive affect on the city centre if brought in. ivy growing up buildings sides and flowers blossoming through will make an unattractive building much more aesthetically

pleasing. Bringing such a controversial theme to the city centre would highlight Birmingham even more for tourists and others alike. This would produce more money for the

city to enable upkeep. Global warming is an increasingly important issue, hav-ing plants all over would emphasise all that Birmingham do, and can do for this. For example Birmingham held a climate change festival that included fundamental eco-logical friendly features. Continuing to hit hard on this

would be to really try ruralise the area. Nature lovers need hopeful thinking! One day.

Is this wasted

space?

SPACE is to encourage you to think differently and to be able to see Birmingham in a different light, we hope it has achieved this and next time you are walking past an unused building you can imagine what happened there and next time you spot a wasted space you will be able to visualise something else within its place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjuN-RcyYZo