Haggerston’s Palimpsest is a project dedicated to preserving and revitalizing a historically significant building in the heart of London, transforming it into a vibrant Cultural Hub that caters to all people. This project envisions a space that includes an Immersive Museum of Culture, Roo-Howzi Theater, Café, Art Galleries, and an Educational zone.
The design process incorporates the principles of Symbolism, Adaptive reuse, and Technology, merging them with Edwardian and industrial decorative styles. A key design feature is the incorporation of symbolic elements inspired by traditional Iranian Roo-Howzi shows. The building’s former use as a swimming pool is echoed in the design by creating a glulam structure over the main area’s pool, which can be adapted for theatrical performances, much like the main court pool was covered to host shows in Iran.
Additionally, the Immersive Museum features domes that create a 360-degree experience for visitors, offering a captivating virtual reality journey through the diverse cultures of London. The project also pays careful attention to preserving and integrating the original architectural style and materials of the building, ensuring a harmonious blend of the old and new.