NTU Architecture Subject Group

The Cartridge

The Cartridge, A Contemporary take on the typical Archive building, which is situated at the heart of the city of Manchester, The Northern Quarter. The concept of this project revolves around "Rhythm and Grooves" which was inspired by the key component of a Record Player (The Cartridge) which is the one catalyst between sound produced by a record player and a Vinyl Record. The Interiors of the building features an Open Exhibition Space, An Object Preservation Lab, A Record Player Archive, An Archivist's office, Assistant archivist's office, A Studio Flat and 2 Fully - Acoustic Listening Rooms for Record Player Enthusiasts to come and experience Rich vintage sound in the midst of rhythmic and contemporary interiors to give for a memorable experience.

Pranav Shaji Nair
Student name
Pranav Shaji Nair
Course
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
Contact
The Archivist's office is a room where the Archivist can not only work in but also features a bay for him to unwind with his favourite Record players looking out into an unobstructed view of his neighbours through a protruding glass box.

The Archivist's office is a room where the Archivist can not only work in but also features a bay for him to unwind with his favourite Record players looking out into an unobstructed view of his neighbours through a protruding glass box.

The Fully- Acoustic Listening room features Rib-like Acoustic wood panels that form a parametric design within a void in the shape of a Quadrant. The space was inspired by the copper coil inside a Marshall speaker (famously paired with record players) and the ashy wood colour gives a warm welcome to the visitors to sit and enjoy music in an intimate and uplifting atmosphere. The wooden structure has multiple shelves to store record players and Record for the visitors to choose from giving them the freedom they deserve. The moss wall installation at the back wall is a sustainable step taken to further provide insulation inside the space.

The Fully- Acoustic Listening room features Rib-like Acoustic wood panels that form a parametric design within a void in the shape of a Quadrant. The space was inspired by the copper coil inside a Marshall speaker (famously paired with record players) and the ashy wood colour gives a warm welcome to the visitors to sit and enjoy music in an intimate and uplifting atmosphere. The wooden structure has multiple shelves to store record players and Record for the visitors to choose from giving them the freedom they deserve. The moss wall installation at the back wall is a sustainable step taken to further provide insulation inside the space.

The Object Preservation Lab is a fully equipped Workshop for all the maintenance needs for In-house Archivial items. It also serves as a repair shop for visitors to bring in their own Record players/Gramophones/Turntables and keep them in top-notch condition. As far as material application within the space, unlike other workshops the space houses custom-built Patina finish storage lockers and vertical pull-out draws inspired from when a Record is pulled out of its sleeve, A Double thickness Corkboard Worktop for utmost durability and easy maintenance also with Patina finish details on its body, Satin Finish Slate Tiles for the flooring except for the worker's area which is a Laminate wood flooring with a woven look.

The Object Preservation Lab is a fully equipped Workshop for all the maintenance needs for In-house Archivial items. It also serves as a repair shop for visitors to bring in their own Record players/Gramophones/Turntables and keep them in top-notch condition. As far as material application within the space, unlike other workshops the space houses custom-built Patina finish storage lockers and vertical pull-out draws inspired from when a Record is pulled out of its sleeve, A Double thickness Corkboard Worktop for utmost durability and easy maintenance also with Patina finish details on its body, Satin Finish Slate Tiles for the flooring except for the worker's area which is a Laminate wood flooring with a woven look.

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Interior Architecture and Design at NTU has an incredibly long and rich history; with Interior Decoration taught at the first ever UK Art school, in the Waverley building during the 1950s.

Over the last 70 years, our programme has grown and adapted to meet the requirements of industry and social change, respond to trends, and deliver a degree which encourages students to look, think, critically appraise, and understand local and world issues amongst the principles of design.

We are a validated degree programme in which our students can join the Chartered Society of Designers, and we are members of the Interior Educators network. Our dedicated design studio in the Grade II* listed Arkwright building enables a studio culture which reflects professional practice, in a dynamic environment that challenges everyone to work collaboratively, share experiences and experiment with ideas.

Read more about the BA Interior Architecture and Design course

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