The main emphasis on The MaPa Fuse project is not so much the creation of a building, but an attempt to generate a community place by the River Itchen in Southampton. Inspiration has been drawn from the rich history of the site which has informed and influenced the conceptual process.

The proposal balances both the old and the new, taking advantage of the opportunity to redefine the fundamental principles of the city’s current water edge.

Transparency and openness between the city and the public also plays an important role in the design stages of The MaPa Fuse project. The project has taken on responsibility and accountability by establishing sustainable design, functional diversity and urban environment security.

During the design process, considerations were taken on the need for an attractive city to provide a perspective for the young generation through quality public spaces and architecture that support liveability.

The main concept of the design is to create an urban centre promoting diversity, inclusion, connectivity, spatial experience, as well as integrating the Itchen River edge into the rest of Southampton city environment.

The proposed design comprises a dual-funtion, ‘Aquariums’ and ‘Library’ spaces incorporated into the building. The intensification of the chosen site through the proposed ‘The MaPa Fuse’ design will help kick start the transformation process of the currently neglected area of Southampton. Transformation of Marine Parade builds on the current urban as well as social memory of individual and interconnected stories of people evolving in space and time.

The smart approach to promote education, friendship, art and design and culture as a stimulant for the city’s shift towards regeneration, can only be achieved through specific interventions such as the revitalisation of the currently degenerating Marine Parade area of Southampton into a creative hub, cultural centre, public accessible outdoor space, as well as recommending Southampton City Council to actively support local leadership.

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