PLAYFULNESS IS A DELIBERATE BUT TEMPORARY RELAXATION OF THE RULES. WHEN WE ARE PLAYFUL, WE CHALLENGE THE NECESSITY OF BEING CONSISTENT WHICH THEN ALLOWS FOR EXPERIMENTATION.

Nestled in the heart of Preston, 386 Bell Street will be a pioneering new mixed-use development, designed by MAP Architects. Inspired by a design concept of connecting dots and lines with data, the building explores playfulness, experimentation and the union of timeless design.

“By deliberately plotting the pockets and connections around the site and superimposing them onto the building mass, we were able to design and settle on the facade of the building” commented Sagar Shirodkar, Lead Designer on the project.

Instances of this concept can be seen utilised by Zaha Hadid (one of the major figures in late-20th and early-21st centuries) in buildings such as Vitra fire station or Bernard Schumi’s Parc De Vilette.

A pioneering addition to the ‘arterial vein of the north’ – which is Bell Street, the 6 storey building will proudly and sensitively hero its surrounds amalgamating the cultural diversity in its locale.

“Playfulness in this instance seemed to acknowledge reason. It accepts that at one point it can be integrated into the design but also tolerant to the idea that someday we will discover the meaning of yesterday’s actions” Sagar said.

The building will boast an array of amenity for residents including rooftop garden, communal spaces and office spaces catering to working from residents. 

Stay tuned for more exciting updates on this project throughout the year.