University St. Former Church
Description of chosen place
This building is a beautiful red brick building with long and narrow gothic pointed arch-looking windows on all its sides. Its main entrance has access from the side of the building and it contains a small open space behind it too, on the opposite side of the main street. The building has a pointed black gabled roof. The building is located on University Street next to the Northern Ireland Audit Government Office. It seems like previously it could have been a chapel or church.What do you imagine the space could be?
Despite not knowing in which condition the building is from inside, churches are buildings that are usually thought of as caring for acoustics. Usually, they look after the sound so that the attendants could hear the priest/mass from the altar without microphones. This brought into my thought the potential of this building to be a music hall/venue and community space dedicated to music, arts, and culture. Due to its appearance, the roof could have advantages for sound acoustics and there may be a possibility of an existing wooden floor that will be ideal for dancing. Regardless, I would envision this building as a venue for music concerts, dance hall, dance classes, open talks, screenings and events related to music, dance, poetry, arts and culture. The venue would have two separate spaces that could also be amplified as one when needed. During the day time, it will be used for dance and or music classes, and any art-related activities.This venue will be an opportunity to connect with the community within the area involving them in the activities, as well as providing another space for practitioners, amplifying collaborations with SARC, QUEENS, students etc. (due to location). The venue will include an open bar/café located at the back of the building outdoors. It will consist of a glass/translucent-covered space relaxing space with a botanical indoor atmosphere connected to the main venue. The venue will contain movable furniture (chairs, tables, stage, speakers, etc) that can be adapted and relocated as needed to each event, gig, concert, dance hall, screening, talks, poetry, performance, etc.
Submitted by
Raquel Amat ParraDate
February 19, 2023
