BA (Hons) Interior Architecture Major Project
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture Major Project
CROSS DISCIPLINARY LEARNER'S HUB
CROSS DISCIPLINARY LEARNER'S HUB
MARLOWE THEATRE
MARLOWE THEATRE
KENT, UK
KENT, UK
Area: 4850 m²
Area: 4850 m²
Category: Institutional
Category: Institutional
Methodology: Adaptive Re-use
Methodology: Adaptive Re-use
This project explores adaptive reuse as a response to the growing demand for sustainable spatial solutions. Rather than erasing the old, it builds upon it, beginning with observation and reinterpretation. Set within Canterbury’s landmark Marlowe Theatre, the proposal transforms a once performance-bound structure into a multi-layered academic hub, addressing the city's high student-to-resident ratio. The design draws from the idea that students are both audience and performer. This duality is expressed through three architectural volumes: Solid, Translucent, and Transparent, each tailored to different levels of privacy, exposure, and engagement. Spatial zoning, vertical layering, and material strategy work together to support diverse learning behaviour while preserving the theatre’s original essence of gathering and exchange. Through interior architecture, the project offers a future-facing reinterpretation of cultural heritage, situating learning within the frame of memory.
This project explores adaptive reuse as a response to the growing demand for sustainable spatial solutions. Rather than erasing the old, it builds upon it, beginning with observation and reinterpretation. Set within Canterbury’s landmark Marlowe Theatre, the proposal transforms a once performance-bound structure into a multi-layered academic hub, addressing the city's high student-to-resident ratio. The design draws from the idea that students are both audience and performer. This duality is expressed through three architectural volumes: Solid, Translucent, and Transparent, each tailored to different levels of privacy, exposure, and engagement. Spatial zoning, vertical layering, and material strategy work together to support diverse learning behaviour while preserving the theatre’s original essence of gathering and exchange. Through interior architecture, the project offers a future-facing reinterpretation of cultural heritage, situating learning within the frame of memory.
Defining the Volumes
Defining the Volumes



The Marlowe’s footprint is reinterpreted through three spatial volumes that guide movement from inward containment to outward expression. At the center lies the solid core, anchoring focused and quiet activity. Adjacent to it, the translucent layer mediates flow, visibility, and spatial transition. Further outward, the transparent edge opens to the city, promoting openness and exchange. Together, they establish a continuous spatial sequence that transitions from introspective to connective, shaping how users perceive and inhabit the building.
The Marlowe’s footprint is reinterpreted through three spatial volumes that guide movement from inward containment to outward expression. At the center lies the solid core, anchoring focused and quiet activity. Adjacent to it, the translucent layer mediates flow, visibility, and spatial transition. Further outward, the transparent edge opens to the city, promoting openness and exchange. Together, they establish a continuous spatial sequence that transitions from introspective to connective, shaping how users perceive and inhabit the building.
Translating Axis into Experience
Translating Axis into Experience



The intersecting horizontal and vertical axes define how spatial experience is felt and navigated. Horizontally, the transition moves from contained to open, increasing light, airflow, and publicness. Vertically, it moves from active to quiet, offering greater privacy, focus, and personal space as one ascends. Together, these dimensions establish a transitional matrix where diverse learning behaviors and spatial needs coexist in balance.
The intersecting horizontal and vertical axes define how spatial experience is felt and navigated. Horizontally, the transition moves from contained to open, increasing light, airflow, and publicness. Vertically, it moves from active to quiet, offering greater privacy, focus, and personal space as one ascends. Together, these dimensions establish a transitional matrix where diverse learning behaviors and spatial needs coexist in balance.
Logic into Implementation
Logic into Implementation



Enter: Platforms
Enter: Platforms



Each spatial volume within the Marlowe is anchored by a dedicated platform, expressing a unique synthesis of structure, materiality, and experience. These platforms act as transitional grounds, guiding users through the spatial logic of solid, translucent, and transparent zones. The Solid Platform defines enclosed and focused environments that support intentional learning flow. The Translucent Platform activates the vertical void through layered and diffused atmospherics, balancing light, privacy, and connection. Finally, the Transparent Platform extends outward as an open learning terrace, engaging directly with airflow, sunlight, and movement. Together, they form a continuous architectural sequence that bridges structure, behavior, and experience.
Each spatial volume within the Marlowe is anchored by a dedicated platform, expressing a unique synthesis of structure, materiality, and experience. These platforms act as transitional grounds, guiding users through the spatial logic of solid, translucent, and transparent zones. The Solid Platform defines enclosed and focused environments that support intentional learning flow. The Translucent Platform activates the vertical void through layered and diffused atmospherics, balancing light, privacy, and connection. Finally, the Transparent Platform extends outward as an open learning terrace, engaging directly with airflow, sunlight, and movement. Together, they form a continuous architectural sequence that bridges structure, behavior, and experience.











Solid - make shift format open space
Solid - make shift format open space



Translucent - bridge linking to outdoor structure
Translucent - bridge linking to outdoor structure



Transparent - courtyard
Transparent - courtyard



Project Gallery
























































