Advanced Arts Centre (2010)

Cultural

London, UK

The aim of the project is to create a cultural symbol in London´s Docklands, designed with the conceptual terms of fluidity, velocity and lightness.

It is conceived as an organism that filters the city´s flows from Rotherhite sq to Canary Wharf through the interconnection of the inner circulation with the public paths and the alternation of open spaces and cavities, sharing its public dimension with the city.

Geometrically, it aligns along the riverside of the Thames river, and extends its arms towards the city, connecting and assimilating itself to the site. The overall dynamism and fluidity of the elongated form suggests an emphasis of movement through and around the building. Both the public flow through the building as well as the internal circulation through the spaces is expressed by means of curving walls.

Enclosing 10.000 square meters, the spaces are hosted inside the wall changing its thickness, and varying inclination and height of them, also different grades in privacy are achieved for several rooms; ten artistic studios, two auditoria, one exhibition hall and several common spaces, including cafeteria, media center, administration and foyers.

The complex structure is a mixed concrete and metal frames system following the geometrical linear grid created by the curving walls. It is made by using reinforced concrete piers and alveolar S-shapes, and its edge depends on the span of the frame, with concrete bridging in some points.

Light penetrates the spaces through glazed curving windows giving an awesome view of the river and skyline; and trendy skylights are used for studios, in which uniform north light is needed.

The center’s sculptural volume, offers an enigmatic presence that contrasts with the vertical skyline of Canary Wharf business district. It is a manifestation of the city’s new cultural significance.