Five young design graduates based in Britain have recently won a competition to design an artist’s residency in the south-western region of the United Kingdom. Titled "The Observatories," these residences are split into two separate volumes: a study and a workshop. Artists will be able to live in the private back section of the study, which has a fold-out bed and necessary amenities. The workshop will be more open, allowing artists to teach and engage with the public. Both volumes are capable of rotating 360 degrees, giving residents a fresh frame of view, and facilitating interaction between these residents and passerby.
The rotation mechanism is a steel base connected to the underside of each structure. This base has steel chasers fixed to it which fit into a steel track on the building's footing. These chasers turn within the track, allowing movement. An alternative design using ball bearings is also being considered.
The buildings themselves will be constructed of timber framing, and will be clad in charred timber produced through the Japanese "Shou Sugi" technique. This method will extend the longevity of the wood.
The Observatories' structures will be erected in four different locations across the southwest of the UK, and will host 12 artists for two month periods over the course of two years. The design team is supported by both Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio and Jane Wernick Associates. Design firm and client SPUD will work with the graduates to construct the project. The first set of structures is expected to be completed by November 1st of this year.
You can support the project on Indiegogo here.
Competition
Artist's Residence CompetitionAward
First PlaceProject Name
The Observatory: The Study and the WorkshopArchitects
Lauren Shevills, Ross Galtress, Charlotte Knight, Mina GospavicLocation
United KingdomArtist
Edward CrumptonVisuals
Lauren Shevills, Ross Galtress, Charlotte Knight, Mina GospavicProject Year
2014Competition
Artist's Residence CompetitionAward
First PlaceProject Name
The Observatory: The Study and the WorkshopLocation
United KingdomProject Year
2014Photographs
{"text"=>"", "type"=>"media_provider", "id"=>"5054327428ba0d64b200000f"}
