Link between AVA and Knowledge Dock
The proposal creates a stunning double height atrium, which connects the East and the West courtyards into a series of gallery spaces. At the heart of the proposal, is a transparent lecture, presentation, and exhibition space
that is shared by all of the creative disciplines of the University of East
London.
One of the problems artists, architects, designers, and photographers face is
the lack of exposure and interchange of ideas with other disciplines.
One of the main goals of the proposal is to deliver a spacious, light and
transparent lecture and review space at the nucleus of the intervention. The
central positioning and transparent design is used to maximise the exposure
between the users of the space and passers by.
Currently the AVA is deprived of a multidisciplinary meeting space,
therefore the overall design offers a place where students can share their
work and spend time amongst the works of others in a relaxing, bright and
safe environment. This space encourages the development of a creative
community in the university.
Allowing the users to observe the surrounding gallery spaces from the
outside enriches the quality of mental relaxation in the courtyards.
Furthermore, being physically detached from the gallery enhances the
viewing experience.
The West courtyard is occupied by outdoor café seating, however it can also
be used for exhibitions. The East courtyard is transformed into a vegetationfilled
meeting space and it also provides access to the knowledge dock.
Furthermore, the continuous circulation space not only connects both of
the courtyards, but also provides a convenient 24-hour access via the library
entrance. Wide doors on both sides and hard floor finish of the atrium
accommodate an easy access for a fire engine in case of an emergency.
The ambition behind this design is to create an inspiring, light and grand
space. A lightweight steel and glass structure responds to the playful
character of the adjacent university buildings. The transparent design
provides the galleries with ample amount of natural light and exciting vistas.
Glossy surfaces also reflect activities and works of students using the space.
UEL Atrium
2014. London, UK
team:
Jonas Prišmontas, Shinnosuke Hoshikawa,
Zuobin Goh