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Highgate historically served as a gateway where many travelers would dwell overnight within the walls of its inns. The development of railways and growing entertainment choices consequently forced the inns into a state of decline. Extensive preservation developed Highgate into a quaint village in London that attracts flocks of tourists. This results in an increased demand for public houses.
In line with local ambitions, my proposal recalls the past by blending architecture, cultural history and nature. The programme incorporates a multi-use performance venue, creating an auditorium by exploiting the natural terrain. It also acts as a homage to the pantomime of Dick Whittington of Highgate Hill. Bygone pubs serve as a programmatic and architectural precedent, re-imagined to exist in a contemporary context. This secures a steady stream of visitors that will keep the inn viable.
During a section of the existing Parkland Walk, users are required to emerge from the woodlands onto the hectic Archway Road motorway before rejoining the walk. This scheme creates an alternative tranquil route for this section.
A terraced seating design mirroring the natural landscape below, transitioning into open-air seating allowing for optimal viewing angles. The terraced pub interior recalls bygone pub nooks and Victorian theatre boxes.
The circulation route sloping throughout the site acts as an extension to the protected Parkland Walk.
The vernacular material palette of reclaimed timber sleepers and cast iron structures complements the existing natural flora. The structures allow for climbing vegetation to amalgamate with the architecture, fully integrating into the site’s fabric.