Mango vinyl hub

Description

THE COMPETITION

The world is witnessing resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records. The vinyl renaissance reminds us that records, unlike downloaded digital music files, are tangible objects that can be collected and experienced in a more tangible and personal way. In 2014, some 900,000 vinyl albums were sold in the UK alone, indicating that digital is not the only way to listen to music.

Bee Breeders, in cooperation with Cesis Municipality and Mango Vinyl, recognise the importance of vinyl with the Mango Vinyl Hub architecture competition. In this open competition, participants are invited to submit their visions for a multipurpose building to be located in Cesis, Latvia. Participants are asked to present a vision for a structure that would accommodate the following functions: a vinyl factory, vinyl store, café, exhibition area, and a co-working space, as well as additional functions that would be defined by the participants themselves.

The location for the proposed complex is an abandoned tin foil factory. Participants are recommended to retain the existing building structure; however, changes can be made if they fit in with their design proposal. The building should be considered as the first stage in redeveloping the block by transforming it into a creative park, acting as an anchor to draw interest and investment from other parties.

In this regard, participants are also tasked with considering the Mango Vinyl Hub in a wider context – proposing ideas and visions for the potential further development of the block in the future. Cesis Municipality will award “The Big Picture” award to the best area development proposal.

Mango Vinyl is committed to the development of the Mango Vinyl Hub during the 2017-2018 period with all winning entries and honourable mentions being put forward for consideration for the final design of the complex.

THE CREATIVE BLOCK

The location for the intended complex is an abandoned tin foil factory. The Mango Vinyl Hub’s building should be considered as the first stage in redeveloping the whole block by transforming it into a creative park, acting as an anchor to draw interest and investment from other parties.

In this regard, participants should also consider the Mango Vinyl Hub in a wider context, proposing ideas and visions for the potential development of the block in the future. Cesis City Council will award an additional prize to the best block’s development proposal.

Based on the required presentation layout, participants must present their vision for the block's development on the first presentation board.

Participants should focus on defining the functions for all of the block's buildings. They will need to explain the circulation within the block’s buildings and, the access routes to the block as a whole, as well as the development strategy of the other parts of the block that would follow the Mango Vinyl Hub’s as part of the grander scheme. 

Participants are also encouraged to think about the block's potential design identity, and the design of the micro architecture aspects of the development (benches, lamp posts, news posts, etc.) 
Partial demolition of the building within the block is allowed, as long as a strong rationale for such action is presented.

BUILDING PROGRAMME

Mango Vinyl

Vinyl factory (see the suggested factory layout on page 13)
Vinyl café
Vinyl store
Exhibition space (3rd party travelling exhibits)

Coworking

Coworking space: 50 workstations in an open space, 2 meeting rooms (15 m2 each), Mixed workstations (various sofas, desks, etc.)
Creative studios: Flexible spaces (50 to 100 m2)
Common areas: Event room for up to 60 people, Kitchen, Toilets

Designer's proposed function
The third hub’s function to be decided by the designer

Service areas
Efficient internal and external circulation spaces allowing each of the three organisations operate independently without disturbing each other.
Storage spaces
Sanitary areas