SPEERS POINT MULTI-ARTS SPACE
The University of Newcastle, 2018
Background:
With collaboration from the Lake Macquarie City Council, my architecture year at the University of Newcastle was given the opportunity to have one of our designs for a potential multi-arts space actually selected and created through competition.
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The scope:
Provide space for traditional media art to be showcased.
Provide space for all ranges of digital art to be be showcased.
Provide a stage for performance art.
Create a cultural icon for the Lake Macquarie area.
Provide all necessary facilities for a functional space - loading dock, amenities, reception, cafe, breakroom.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHIES:
Without a firm grasp of conceptual design, I clung to what interested me - transitional spaces and narrative design, without any real philosophies to guide my design and process. I created a series of "moments" to present the experience of my design.
Moment I
As you first enter the main entrance and pass the reception, you would be shown the unexpected sight of native flora encapsulated by the building. This native bushland already existed on site, and was marked for clearing. A large focus on my design was retaining this area and utilizing it as it's own kind of art exhibition space.
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Moment II
Turning left, at the end of a darkened corridor, a large, frameless, south facing window would show you the art of the location and scenery, framing a view out onto the water of lake maquarie.
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Moment III
After being shown the framed view of the lake, the design then allows you to experience it, as your first step outside exposes you to the primary winds on site, a chilling northerly breeze off the lake water. This is also the first moment you are able to see the actual art space of the design - a large concrete brick box, previously hiding behind a large wooden shield, obscuring both its shape and form. Approaching at a 45 degree angle, all these factors at once are done in an attempt to create a transition affecting all 5 senses, clearing the visitors brains before entering the art space proper.
Moment IV
The interior of the art space is a relatively bare concrete and mounted gyprock, with few windows, to allow the space to be quickly and easily adapted for the set up and viewing of digital artworks. In alignment with art hanging space, one more different view of the lake is captured here. A large hidden pocket door can roll out of the wall to close off this view. Additionally this space features a small comms room and large storage space for a modular stage system.