A new chapter. A new start!
( link to my Photobucket for the rest of the images http://s1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh581/josiejcee/
Yesterday i was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to visit the site of the new art & design building! As you can imagine this was a very exciting experience and the atmosphere shared by the group of about 10 was electric!
To begin with site manager, John Schofield lead us into a small meeting room to share with us some vital statistics and show us images of the proposed plans.
The Building is set for completion by December 2012 and will be open to the students January 2013.
The building comprises of a few key features, including;
A Cafe
Open plan studios
Flexible working spaces
Roof top garden
Courtyard
Concrete pillar encased in an old wallpaper design
Lanterns on rooftop to let light into the building
500 meters of display rail
Conjunction between disciplines
Hard hat - Gloves - Goggles - High visibility jacket - Steel toe boots!
After our briefing we were taken to the on-site office to be kitted out in the necessary equipment. For safety reason we were asked to wear the items above and were informed to stick together as a group at all times. Cameras at the ready we headed on site. There were a number of interesting features about the new build that stood out, in particular the open plan walkways and stairways.
Each of the 4 floors were open plan and over looking to the floor beneath, the fourth floor is home to 2 huge glass covered lanterns which were build in such a way that the natural flow of light is able to disperse to each corner of the building, even the ground floor entrance!
Charlotte and i kitted out for the tour!
The main concept of the building is to have a wide open space that can be moulded and changed according to students needs.
The exterior of the building is simple, black paneled areas and sheets upon sheet of glass! As part of the new art school, the old Chatam building is having a complete renovation, starting from the roof and working its way down.
The top of the new art building is going to be something special, 5 storeys above street level will be a haven of activity as the roof becomes a new 'hidden garden'. Either side of the lanterns will be astro turf and planting areas, as well as possibly student artwork.
Opportunities for students to showcase their art work is key in the new build and the architects have left plenty of free space within the interior for possible exhibitions, including the toilet walls!
I found that instead of being interested by the building i was infact drawn to the building materials and tools left on the roof by the contractors! This ties in well with my project idea of transition as the poles used for scaffolding are a key component in changing the area, just as rubbish and debris are key to changing areas of Manchester such as the backstreets and doorways that i have been focusing on.
I love the texture of the wood and the sense of wear and tear that comes to mind, similar again to my project. The tour has been a great source of inspiration for me and i left feeling really positive about the rest of the project and with plenty of new ideas running through my mind.
Below are just a few of my favorite images from the tour;
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