Vanbrugh Park Estate

Located within the historic Vanbrugh Park Estate—a seminal mid-century residential development—this project explores the transformation of an underutilized under-garage space into a vibrant public intervention. Recognizing the architectural significance of the estate, the primary design objective was to create a proposal that seamlessly integrates with its surrounding environment.

To achieve this level of contextual harmony, I conducted extensive urban and historical research into the area. By analyzing the estate's distinct material palette, structural rhythms, and public-to-private spatial thresholds, the final intervention respects the heritage of the site while introducing a much-needed public asset that naturally weaves itself into the fabric of the neighborhood.

To activate the sub-garage space, I proposed a dedicated Judo Dojo designed specifically for teenagers, offering the community a dynamic venue for physical discipline and martial arts. My design process began with an abstract, tactile exploration: I experimented with cutting paper into organic and geometric shapes, freely manipulating and shifting them to discover unexpected spatial configurations. This playful, hands-on prototyping method allowed me to break away from standard layouts and cultivate a fluid, dynamic interior environment that mirrors the energy, balance, and movement inherent to Judo.

At this stage, I kept developing my design to determine how to position the windows to get the most natural light inside. I also started thinking about the materials. For the back of the dojo, I chose to use mostly brick so the exterior blends into the surrounding neighborhood. For the entrance side, I combined brick with large glass windows to let the sunlight flood in. Inside, I added a semicircle glass wall between the training area and the parents' waiting room. This keeps the teenagers from getting distracted during practice while still letting parents easily watch their kids train.