History of the Building
The Brief
With the rise of small businesses working within co-working spaces and the lines between the work/life balance blurring. People are looking to engage with spaces that offer more than just a working environment. They require places to socialise, network, relax, work and socialise.
The Mechanic's Institute was established with the objective of 'disseminating useful knowledge and encouraging rational amusement'. These themes will run through every aspect of the new proposal.
The reinvented Mechanic's Institute will be a space that allows a variety of people to come together across a multitude of uses in both working and social environments to create a thriving community and help to make Swindon a destination.
The former Swindon Mechanic's Institute is one of the most prominent buildings in Swindon's history, situated right at the heart of the railway village. The Grade II* listed building which was designed by Edward Roberts opened it’s doors to the public in 1855 and quickly grew in popularity.
The building is considered to be important because of the GWR Medical Fund Society, which was established in 1844 and ran from the Mechanic‘s Institute initially before moving to it’s own purpose built site. The Medical Fund Society aimed to provide medicine to the GWR employees and their families. 100 years on from its inception this society would form the blueprint for the National Health Service.
The Mechanic's Institution was originally established among the GWR empolyees around 1844 with the objective of 'disseminating useful knowledge and encouraging rational amusement’ and the idea was that the building would bring both of these together under one roof.
Overtime, the building evolved to reflect the changes happening within the town as it continued to grow, but always remained at the centre of the social hub of Swindon. With the nationalisation of the railway and less dependence on one industry, the Mechanics Institute closed in February of 1986. It has been vacant ever since,despite numerous new owners and planning applications.
User Profile
Swindon is the United Kingdom's 3rd most productive town in the technology sector. There are over 2,800 defined 'Tech and Digital' businesses and a large number of headquarters within Swindon. The town is continually trying to encourage this industry by supporting SME's via a scheme called 'The Growth Hub' and initiating 'Tech Swindon', a 2-day summit for start-ups, SME's and larger business, with high profile speakers in venues across the town seeing around 2,000 visitors.
The Swindon Mechanic's Institute will target tech and digital start-up companies for the proposed working areas, as well as students looking for a space to study and socialise. The social areas will be open to everyone, whilst the hospitality facilities, such as the restaurant, food market and bar, will be ran by local, independent companies.
Key Moves
Replicate the past uses within the new design proposal, which were key to the original concept of areas to work/learn and spaces for entertainment
Create a central atrium to connect all of the spaces and people together within the old fly tower at the heart of the site via a series of connected mezzanines.
Concept Images
Proposed Plans
Second Floor
First Floor
Ground Floor
Rendered Section
The Mechanic's Institute Atrium
The Fly Tower Atrium is at the heart of the site restoration and has been designed to connect both the building and it's users together. The series of staircases and mezzanines sit within the framework of the 1930’s impressive, single-volume structure, which was once considered cutting-edge. These transitions and moments entice users to explore all that the architecture has to offer.
The Atrium invites people to move throughout the space as the theatre scenery once would have moved, to honour the history of one of Swindon’s most prominent buildings, whilst layering in a new design for future generations.
The Atrium will be the central hub of the building, providing a space to work, relax, socialise and reflect.
The Mechanic's Institute Market
Dine. Drink. Dance.
The Mechanic’s Market provides a unique dining destination, which has been designed to bring people together continually throughout the day. A coffee bar for your morning caffeine hit or to catch up with friends and family. Four food stalls ran by local, independent companies to promote what the town has to offer whilst also providing something for everyone. A bar perfect for both networking and socialising and an events space in the refurbished skittle alley. The Mechanic’s Market is the perfect social space from dawn till dusk.