Imagination Refinery (External organisation)

Project Office: Imagination Refinery

This project saw a collaboration between BA3 Interior Architecture and Design students with The Imagination Refinery, a creative collective working towards a 'sharing economy'. The aim of the Imagination Refinery is to inhabit a derelict 1970’s school, in Sandown on the Isle of Wight, which is currently being subjected to vandalism and deemed for demolition by the local council, who wants to support its re-use. The proposals made by students were used to visualise the buildings potential. The intention is to Create a 'Cultural Community Centre' to foster health & well being, enterprise and creative education in a way that is in tune with Sandown Bay and the Isle of Wight. The Clients brief included: Providing space & opportunities for would-be entrepreneurs and small business to get up and running or expand leading to job creation. · Creating a living and breathing cultural quarter. · Initiating a sharing economy model to help create local solutions to funding gaps. · Embracing those interested in collaboration, mix discipline working and the cross-pollination of ideas by creating an innovation hub. · Initiating and maintaining links with mainland universities. · Engaging fully with Island schools.