Be Vivacious

Mason Innovation
Jan 9, 2017
5 min read

Client: Vivacité (Own Brand)

Location: 92 Arundel Street, Sheffield, UK

Project Status: Completed

Portfolio Link: PDF Research click here, PDF Design click here, Animation video click here

T H E C L I E N T

Parkour. This ambiguous term has no recorded origin since many have contributed towards this movement. However it is believed to have established in France during the 1980s; gradually spreading worldwide to become an activity of running, jumping, grappling, flipping, balancing and rolling.

The adjective, “Vivacité”, (the French translation of Vivacity) defines an animated and energetic individual. The noun, “Vivacité”, defines a space encouraging liveliness and animation

T H E S I T E

92 Arundel Street has a rich history dating back to the 1800s; though the structure on site today is not entirely original. The exact date of construction of the build is uncertain, however, it is first illustrated on the first edition Ordnance Survey Map in 1850. Originally known as Lion Works, 92 Arundel Street was constructed as a Little Mesters Workshop and is recorded as having operated as such between 1849 and the mid 1900s. Between 1998 and 2007, the structure was occupied on and off as a sandwich shop before multiple fires caused severe damage to the rear; 92 Arundel Street became derelict. In 2010 planning permission for a ground floor restaurant and three storeys of student accommodation was granted, which are still in use to this day.

Four floors of approx 90sqm each and an exterior courtyard of an additional 90sqm will house the Parkour Hotel establishment. Located within close proximity to the Train Station, City Centre, Coach Station and under five miles from the M1, a range of connections and networks to surrounding cities and the rest of the UK are available.

T H E B R I E F

Hotels are typically establishments that provide temporary accommodation, sustenance and other services. Sheffield is home to a number of Parkour groups, and within the last four years, Sheffield Parkour Movement convinced Sheffield City Council to build Parkour apparatus in Endcliffe Park. However, there are very few hotels that combine activity with dwelling spaces. This hotel aims to reinvent the outlook of hotels and question it’s ability to be more than just a temporary bedroom and restaurant.

My elite goal is to raise awareness for the activity of parkour, and provide a safe place to train and test activity skills with the objectives to promote social values, improve the sporting community and encourage young people to be more active.

A secondary goal explores the demand for a style of hotel such as this, since there are no other developed establishments similar to the concept of a Parkour Hotel. This initial design can test the market to sample the demand and opinions of the demographic, providing this as the first hotel of its kind that enables socialism and activity within the community.

The spaces required within this concept are as follows; Reception area, Restaurant, Washrooms, Bedding, Activity Area & Storage. Branding will also be included within this design.

E X T E R I O R

A range of graffiti designs adorn the exterior of the site, with a number of railings and poles for scaling the exterior. Within the yard is a netting structure that directs between the windows, roof and ground of the side facade.

Vents protrude from the west facade to refrain rain from entering the window spaces, and allow users to sit within individual vents. A fire escape is located at the back of the west facade that directs down ontop of the study and utility ground floor extension. The main entrance is located on the roof top through a skylight which is digitally enhanced through iBeacons to open when connected to a mobile app on a smartphone using a specific code from the guest booking.

I N T E R I O R

The design includes a cafe on the ground floor with an open kitchen serving easy-to-eat snacks and meals that include burgers, fries and sandwiches. Across the first, second and third floors are a series of furnishings that establish an interesting view within the build. Constructed from concrete coated MDF, these furnishings are relatively light weight for mobility, although sturdy enough for activity through the utility of a bolt peg system integrated into the floor. The blueprint of these modular furnishings provide an array of layouts to suit activities and uses. When not utilised as a parkour activity space, the fittings can be rearranged for other uses such as communal seating.

T H E F U R N I S H I N G S

Static fittings impart the overall interesting scope of the interior by protruding from the ceilings and floors, representing how, like the users, the space can also interact with itself. These features contribute towards an engaging aesthetic encouraging users to be creative with their activities.

Some furnishings hold features that pose as a risk or danger if designed to be mobile, such as electricity and plumbing. Sinking these fittings into the floor can provide the solution to a compact space utilising less space and height in addition to enabling plumbing and electricity works to permanently and safely function within the space through the floor plane.

S T O R A G E & D E S K

Community storage for non-valuables. Complimentary towels and toiletries stocked for guest use and frequently refreshed.

S E A T I N G

Simple, single booth seating with slanted front providing an interesting activity surface. Or a table with two Ottoman seats that can be pulled out or tucked underneath. Multiples can be arranged for community seating.

S T O R A G E

Space for hanging clothes and wares that can be locked through a cam lock and key system.

S H O W E R

Cubicle penetrating the floor with folding lockable doors and storage at the base of the steps that can be accessed from within the shower space.

F O A M P I T T

Provides a soft landing space.

T O I L E T

A second cubicle penetrating the floor with mechanical wares that enable the space to be accessed and locked safely.

S T O R A G E & E L E C T R I C A L O U T L E T S

Users can perch in the suspended cubbyhole whilst their phone chargers in the lockers behind. Possessons can be stored in locker compartments on the floor above.

N A V I G A T I O N

Netting structures are the replacement of stairs in this design, where the navigation between floors includes climbing nets, sliding down fireman poles and climbing over furnishings.

B E D D I N G

The netting structure extends into the rafters to create three compartments for sleeping in.

A D D E D E X T R A S

Ladders, poles and protruding brickwork allow for varied additional navigation methods throughout the space.

Two quarter-pipes are located at the rear of the third and ground floor for activity surface, and ventilation systems throughout the space channel and filter air throughout the space, which exits via the open vents along the west facade.

Fluid lighting illuminates the space in addition to posing as ceiling rails of insulated steel piping.

Crash matts are integrated into the wall for a cushioned surface.

C O N C L U D E

Undefined yet impressive. Vivacité Sheffield provides this avocation with an experience that combines activity, motion and animation with community and togetherness to encourage a social and cultural empiricism amongst Parkour masters and novices alike.