The Mow Creative Arts Centre

The Mow Creative Arts Centre Newcastle Upon Tyne Part II Final Project 2017-18

By Joseph Chandler

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The arts centre is located in the historic area of Sandgate, in close proximity to Newcastle bustling quayside. The projects key focus is to improve connectivity between the quayside and the city, by proposing a series of public access walkways which traverse the busy road system and retaining walls of the site, to provide free flowing access between the two entities.

Private Service Road

Main Auditorium

Wrangham’s Entry Anchor Chare

Flag Chare

External Terrace

External Seating

Break-out space

Causey Way

The proposal is segmented into different building functions, with access provided by the elevated walkways, called ‘chares’, a historic reference to the narrow streets which used to permeate through the site. The chares act as spaces which provide the different building functions, with natural daylight, activated frontages and through-fares.

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Roof Inspiration: The Project features a vibrant red roof structure which spans the length of the site. The pitched roof form was inspired by the emblematic roof forms of the warehouses which used to be a prevalent feature along the banks of the river Tyne.

Structural Concept: Inspiration for the expressed coloured steel structure of the scheme came from the awe inspiring structures of Newcastle’s Industrial past such as cranes, bridges and boats.

Major infrastructures which are symbolic of the city.

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Concept: The pitched red roof is to act as the key architecture feature of the proposal, acting as the common denominator, which unifies all the different activities of the site.

Sketch from the Sage: Like the cor-ten Steel of The Baltic or undulating glass form of The Sage, the roof boldly asserts itself within the varied urban context of the site, making it a distinguishable feature see from the waterfront.

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Anchor Chare: Section showing the way in which the chare cuts through the building, to house the elevated walkways which tier off at each level to the different functions of the building.

The expressed red steel superstructure sets up a formal grid to which the different activities are housed.

Arts Block Central Atrium: Natural light filters down through the glazed atrium, creating a vertical connection to the building activities which are dispersed over the 5 floor levels, the idea being, that the occupant, whether a visitor or artist can always maintain a visual connection to whats going on around them.

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THE MOW THEATRE

North Elevation

South Elevation

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The different elevations give a sense of scale to the project, in relation to the backdrop of the city and some of the quayside iconic features.

Approach from Millennium Bridge: Set back from the rivers edge, the proposal is revealed between the gaps of the adjacent buildings. The red roof form remains the architectural constant which zig-zags its way across the site linking the entirety of the scheme.

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View Down Sandgate Road: The vibrant infrastructure asserts itself within the urban topography, in a striking juxtaposition to its the larger scale adjacent buildings.

View from Artists Residence: Studio spaces for artists which live and work within the centre are also provided within the scheme. The coloured structural members remain a prominent feature whether outside of in, injecting each space which a connection to the overall infrastructure of the centre whilst, strengthening the occupants sense of place.

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Approach to Anchor Chare: Natural daylight, colour, advertising and activity fills the quintuple height atrium spaces of the chares. Creating a visually stimulating experience for the individual who is coming to visit the centre or for those who are simply passing through.

Causeway Bridge: A new bridge connection is proposed, which will act as the main thorough-fare from the city to the foot of the Millennium Bridge on the quayside.

A burnt-out public house previously the Barley Mow has been gutted and given new life, retaining the shell of the old building, whilst inserting a new infrastructure to be housed within its historic walls.

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Approach to Flag Chare: At night the building is illuminated to give the appearance of a glowing box which can be seen from the quayside and acts as a beacon, drawing in members of the public

Arts Market Central Atrium: The arts market is one of the central spaces of the scheme, which opens up and allows visitors to see the different creative talents working in their studio’s and the work which is on display. This can all be enjoyed whilst listening to some live music, watching a film or with a drink and something to eat from the cafe/bar.

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Technical Elevation & Section: Structural concept of the project was to embrace and celebrate steel construction, expressing the coloured member wherever possible. A standardised approach to construction of a primary steel structure, SIPS panels as the secondary and precast concrete planks as the tertiary.

Art Gallery Balcony: The gallery which is located in the roof space of the building leaves the soffit and trusses expressed, whilst providing a pared back interior for the art to be exhibited. A view over to the prominent architectural features of The Baltic Centre For Contemporary Arts & The Millennium Bridge provides the backdrop to the gallery.

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