cagm1907
Submission 43
CHELTENHAM ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
Building for a new future
Description
“HOLISTIC SOLUTION”
Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum has an opportunity to find a holistic solution for its future, to unify its several parts into one coherent museum. This task has to be considered in the context of the existing buildings and their collective use. The new extension needs to do more than just fill a gap between buildings - it is the chance to produce a building for a new future!
“WHITE CUBE“
or how to combine increased public presence and sensitive insertion
The façade appears as a neutral white canvas made of translucent glass, which discreetly integrates it in its surroundings. This visually-smooth screen exhibits a play of light by day and night and can also be used for projections. The expanded foyer serves as a venue for openings, concerts and temporary exhibitions and provides front-to-back access to Chester Walk. The independently operated pavement café serves events which are held in the foyer. Its façade can be opened to the street.
“ROOM SEQUENCE MEETS OPEN SPACE”
or how to strengthen the exhibition concepts
The sequential layout of rooms in the historic part, which is adequate for the permanent exhibition, will be simplified by opening up unused rooms and by positioning openings between spaces in corners. An open flexible space is provided for temporary spaces. In order to offer as much space as possible, the 1989 extension and the new exhibition space can be combined. Offices are pooled together in No.51 as this building offers the most suitable layout for offices. Artists´ studios are accommodated on its ground floor.
"THE BELT"
or how to enhance public circulation
The visible, open and representative circulation belt is logically located at the museums` centre. The sculptural main stairs spirals upwards into the two-storey foyer and forms the connection between old and new.
“THE PASSAGE”
or how to use the advantageous site conditions
The gap between high-quality existing buildings will be closed and their façade and floor lines will be adopted. The façade and main entrance of the 1989 extension will be retained. The museum’s foyer provides a front-to-back passage from Clarence Street to Chester Walk, to enhance access to the library and the gardens around St Mary’s Church. Delivery can be undertaken from both sides.
“SIMPLE AND COMPACT”
or how to find an environmentally solution within the budget
The compactness of the building achieves a good balance between volume and surface area. An economic construction of reinforced concrete is recommended. Only recyclable and approved materials are proposed, in order to save building and operating costs. Mechanical plant rooms can be accommodated on the roof.
Submission 43
CHELTENHAM ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
Building for a new future
Description
“HOLISTIC SOLUTION”
Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum has an opportunity to find a holistic solution for its future, to unify its several parts into one coherent museum. This task has to be considered in the context of the existing buildings and their collective use. The new extension needs to do more than just fill a gap between buildings - it is the chance to produce a building for a new future!
“WHITE CUBE“
or how to combine increased public presence and sensitive insertion
The façade appears as a neutral white canvas made of translucent glass, which discreetly integrates it in its surroundings. This visually-smooth screen exhibits a play of light by day and night and can also be used for projections. The expanded foyer serves as a venue for openings, concerts and temporary exhibitions and provides front-to-back access to Chester Walk. The independently operated pavement café serves events which are held in the foyer. Its façade can be opened to the street.
“ROOM SEQUENCE MEETS OPEN SPACE”
or how to strengthen the exhibition concepts
The sequential layout of rooms in the historic part, which is adequate for the permanent exhibition, will be simplified by opening up unused rooms and by positioning openings between spaces in corners. An open flexible space is provided for temporary spaces. In order to offer as much space as possible, the 1989 extension and the new exhibition space can be combined. Offices are pooled together in No.51 as this building offers the most suitable layout for offices. Artists´ studios are accommodated on its ground floor.
"THE BELT"
or how to enhance public circulation
The visible, open and representative circulation belt is logically located at the museums` centre. The sculptural main stairs spirals upwards into the two-storey foyer and forms the connection between old and new.
“THE PASSAGE”
or how to use the advantageous site conditions
The gap between high-quality existing buildings will be closed and their façade and floor lines will be adopted. The façade and main entrance of the 1989 extension will be retained. The museum’s foyer provides a front-to-back passage from Clarence Street to Chester Walk, to enhance access to the library and the gardens around St Mary’s Church. Delivery can be undertaken from both sides.
“SIMPLE AND COMPACT”
or how to find an environmentally solution within the budget
The compactness of the building achieves a good balance between volume and surface area. An economic construction of reinforced concrete is recommended. Only recyclable and approved materials are proposed, in order to save building and operating costs. Mechanical plant rooms can be accommodated on the roof.