TULLAMORE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE
We propose a playful and contemporary form made with ordinary materials. The rich variety of spaces is achieved by making an undulating roof which rises and falls to shape, light and ventillate the spaces below. The building forms a communal creative space presenting an ethos of openness and informality, providing a place of play for all ages. The hills and valleys of the roofscape form light scoops, sky windows, ventillation shafts and light chimneys. These elements straddle spaces stitching circulation areas with the main art room and exhibition gallery creating volumetric overlap and enriching the threshold spaces to these important rooms. The foyer, art room, gallery and cafe can operate as one big space or can be compartmentalised for acoustic separation or security. This flexibility and openness we felt to be important in order to encourage social and creative exchange. Openings on the external wall maintain a datum height of 2.2m, establishing an intimate scale within the larger volumes and accentuating the horizontal line of the canal. The primary entrance to the building is through a new east facing public space overlooking the canal. This elevated entry space is used as an arrival space from the canal boats, a social space and as a terrace for the cafe. The Kilbride Park extends to the east to join this new space, providing an attractive sunny landscaped foreground to the southern edge of the building. The courtyards to the south provide controlled and discreet access for delivery and bin collection , keeping this edge of the building free of any unsightly uses. These courtyards also break down the scale of the building , which addresses the housing close by. Changes of level on the site are negotiated in the design of the perimeter path. Service to the stage area is off the exisitng road. Within the building ,changes of level on the site are integrated into the design to enrich the variety of spaces and to reduce additional costs of fill and levelling of the ground. When the art room 1 and the gallery are opened up , one moves easily from space to space. When they are closed, one moves in the generous circulation and social areas around them. The long foyer space parallel to the canal enjoys the proximity to the water and the proposed new bridge and boardwalk. Art rooms 2 & 3 and the gallery workshop address south facing courtyards, their volumes include high level windows. Internal glazed screens and doors create an open transparent environment, allowing participants and users to enjoy the activities and the productions of their creative neighbours and colleagues.
TULLAMORE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE » Competition page 1