Prince of Wales Engine House - Installation

When I first encountered the Prince of Wales Engine House, it appeared as just another abandoned building, disconnected from its history. However, a site visit transformed my perspective, and I decided to embark on a project to reconnect with its historical significance and its remarkable natural surroundings. The Grade 2 Heritage-listed engine house, with its unique ecological features and Cornish landscape backdrop, became the focus of my design proposal.

This project aimed to rekindle the connection between the engine house, the community, and its historical past. It involved extensive site analysis and research to determine what needed preservation, how stakeholders would be affected, and how the landscape could be integrated and protected.

My proposed design is a contemporary installation that immerses visitors in a journey through the engine house's history and environment. It includes a copper tunnel, spiral staircase, and light art sculptures that create a captivating atmosphere. Materials were chosen to reflect the building's past and enhance sound properties to re-create the original ambiance.

The installation's design emphasises a guided journey that encourages exploration, leading to breathtaking views. A suspended bridge integrates the building with its surroundings and allows the installation to age alongside the engine house, merging with nature.

The installation primarily employs copper, inspired by the area's mining history. This versatile material can adapt to architectural forms and change color over time. It reflects sound effectively, creating a mine-like atmosphere.

This project was completed during my first year at university, it allowed me to develop skills in software like Photoshop, Vectorworks and Sketchup.