The Harvest Hub

Learning Centre of ​The Future

Making agriculture

accessible for all.

Project ​Narrative

The issue of food insecurity is a pressing concern globally, and Sheffield is no ​exception. If left unaddressed, it can result in dire consequences for the local ​population. Recent reports highlight the detrimental impact of climate change ​and biodiversity loss on food production, both in the UK and worldwide. In light of ​this, initiatives such as the Regather Farm have emerged to enhance food ​security and promote sustainable practices.

Looking ahead to 2050, the challenges posed by population growth, resource ​scarcity, and climate change underscore the urgency of addressing food security. ​The proposed polytechnic learning hub aims to provide a comprehensive ​education platform to address resilience, economic development, social inclusion ​and equity, and food security and nutrition.

The hub aims to cater to a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, ​academics, and the public, and will be funded by Science Foundation Ireland ​(SFI), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Department of Agriculture, ​Environment and Rural Affair (DAERA), and industry. The University of Sheffield ​will operate the center, with students, academic staff, young families, and ​researchers benefiting from its resources. The learning hub will employ both ​formal and informal learning approaches, with a strong emphasis on learning by ​doing.

The design concept incorporates a blurred space intended to change visitors’ ​perceptions, leading them from seeing to doing. Through the implementation of ​key building moves, the hub aims to encourage sustainable practices that will ​benefit the local community and contribute to a better, shared future globally.

The concept of my design delves into the navigation of journeys through the ​notion of a blurred space. Its intention is to transform the perception of visitors ​by inducing them to shift from a passive observer to an active participant. The ​underlying idea is that users will encounter a pivotal and transformative moment, ​which will inspire them. Fundamental architectural moves have been established ​to articulate the concept within the built environment. These moves include a ​strong emphasis on sustainability, resulting in users developing an enlightened ​perspective on sustainable practices. The design is grounded in the principle of ​incorporating the human sensorium by engaging users in a continuous cycle of ​seeing and doing.

Project Details

Project Location : Sheffield, United Kingdom

Project Type : Individual

Project Typology : Learning Centre

Project Length : 17 Weeks

Lab Tutor : Katrina Hughes

Awarded ‘Best Historic Intervention’, sponsored by ​Anotherkind Architects.

A new landmark and ​a public showcase.

Construction Roadmap

2026

Bamboo will be grown locally within

Sheffield to reduce the construction

miles. The bamboo will be used for

natural ventilation and can help

regulate indoor temperatures,

making them ideal for tropical and

subtropical climates.

2028

The bamboo is now matured and will

require being treated. This will be

using boron to prevent the risk of

beetle and termite attacks.

2040

The building has begun construction.

The bamboo is constructed for the

building’s columns, and rain screen

facade system.

2025

Bamboo facades have several ​advantages, including their ​sustainability, affordability,

and aesthetic appeal. Subsequently, ​bamboo will be planted this year to be ​cultivated and ready for construction.

2027

As bamboo is a fast growing plant, all

excess bamboo shoots will be

recycled to the Veolia Sheffield Centre

as bamboo has many other usages.

2030

The bamboo will require being

preserved for construction. Due to

it’s lightweight nature, this will allow

it to be highly breathable, odour

resistant and thermal regulating.

2050

The building is in full effect! Bamboo

has been deemed as the material for

the future and other designers have

decided to use bamboo within other

buildings situated in the UK.

Ot​her Projects

Nature’s Haven

At present, food insecurity is a significant issue for many ​Sheffield residents, and it’s set to worsen if the ​government fails to act. The polytechnic learning hub ​shares insights into agriculture within Sheffield.

The Lakehouse Retreat

The retreat is a home away from home. It focuses on ​simplicity and functionality with narrow, elongated ​space maximises every inch.

Transition and Flexibility

The opportunity was given to participate in a one-week ​international workshop with the Hiroshima Institute of ​Technology alongside other fellow students from ​Loughborough.