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<\/a><\/p>\nBen\u2019s project was set around the regeneration of Sheerness, through a fair which features the town\u2019s Victorian heyday. \u201cBeachfield\u2019s Reality Fair is a re-retrofication of a key urban site in a socially and economically declining Kentish seaside resort. The project consists of a series of flexible \u2018urban stages\u2019 that are configured to create simple and accessible spaces for the local community. However it simultaneously creates a complicated narrative for tourists, taking them on a journey between fantasy and reality.<\/p>\n
The project aims to revive local tourism whilst providing the required facilities for local people to improve quality of life. The proposal features ordinary buildings with ordinary functions – the \u2018backstage\u2019. However, these are encapsulated with fantastical ever-changing facades – the \u2018stage set\u2019.<\/p>\n
The main \u2018urban stage\u2019, the swimming pool, is a crucial space providing a warm alternative to the British beach. It provides cosy deck chairs, palm trees, a sandy beach and more. Other key stages include: the \u2018Nick-nak Emporium\u2019 – an extravagant market hall selling all the seaside junk you need, the \u2018Crabbing Station\u2019 – an exciting new way of crabbing utilising a mechanical pier and the Chip Shop an extreme yet environmental fashion of growing, producing and consuming fish and chips.\u201d \u2013 Ben Nourse, Stage 3<\/p>\n
For more information, and to take a look at Ben’s portfolio, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n