['Sheerness Art & History Conservation Centre' was created to rejuvenate the town that nearly lost its identity due to various problems that occur in the past such as: poor labour-intensive condition, malaria disease outbreaks, thefts, and series of local fights (source: http://www.sheppeywebsite.co.uk/index.php?id=71). Fire has also burnt Sheerness Dockyard Church twice over the history, which must have further contributed to the insecurities of the community. The dockyard wall was then built, soaring up 5 meters from the ground. These add bulk to the site which loosen the strength of community bond and openness.

The miserable reality of the past became the background of my concept: strength. The main site, which is a grade 2 listed building of the ruined dockyard church, is to be developed into a heritage centre containing aviation history and naval dockyard history. Apart from exhibitions, the dockyard church is also facilitated by a construction workshop open for adult/chidren interested in practicing the basic skill of naval/aviation engineering, as well as multifunctional community space available through bookings. Cafe/restaurant is there to complete the one's journey to relax and enjoy the delightful dishes with a view of the sea. The face of the extension must show its ability to stand strong above a cracking ground of clay soil, and never again to be gutted by fire. Hence the display of its structural features, which fits perfectly with the surrounding industrial context of the port and the abandoned steel factory. The language of the building should encourages the community to stand strong against the existing problems, yet finding the strength to carry on.

The idea of developing the church extension as well as the public realm into a tourist ground hopes to attract visitors from outside Sheppey and brings the economy gradually back to substantial level. In a way that art interests contemporary society, the public realm is dedicated to the arts; inviting different artists annually to create a temporary pavilion on a flexible fround, which is surrounded by angular raised platforms  (echoing the angled/tilted geometry of the church extension proposal). These level changes would create various perspectives for people to enjoy the landscape: either from ground level, above, or from the shallow underground bunkers lit by circular rooflights. Outdoor mini amphitheater is also provided on the landscape for art performance activities, promoting an interactive ground for the community.]