Kingston Show: Tivoli community centre

Project: Tivoli community centre in Margate - Student: Fernanda Fiuza Date: Third year show - June 2008

Fiuza’s synopsis: “The design proposal is an attempt to help the elderly find and maintain a sense of community, by providing work opportunities, education and leisure activities.

The brief was developed in a way that the history of Tivoli in Margate would be emphasised by the main activity offered by the design proposal.

The site is located in the south of Margate, between Tivoli Park Avenue and Tivoli Road.

There are several care homes in the proximities of the Tivoli Area, which are disconnected from the historical and commercial centre of the city, where the main activities offered to the elderly are located.

Archaeological remains of several Roman buildings have been discovered in the Isle of Thanet, which occupied strategic position in the transport and trade routes between Britain and the continent.

According to excavations, this site was previously occupied by the Tivoli Villa. The studies reveal that the building was a successor to a very dense settlement of mid to late Iron Age. This was an important community where among other activities pottery production took place.

The main spaces are: a ballroom and a cafe, for bingos and afternoon tea dances, a nursery, a communal space where elders and children can interact, and a workshop for pottery production, which relates to the history of the Tivoli Villa.”