Walthamstow Arts Centre Competition

Type: Two stage, international

Sponsor: Central Arts Trust & RIBA

Eligibility: Registered Architects and Architectural practices

Timetable:

26 August 2003 - Deadline for receipt of Practice profile information - 2 PM

8 September 2003 - Shortlisted practices notified

29th September 2003 - Interviews to select practice

Awards: Contract to build the estimated £4-5 million project

Project: The objective of this competition is not to secure an outline design but rather to identify an architectural team that shows the qualities of high aesthetic style with a keen understanding of construction methodology. The arts centre itself will be situated in the old central library building, which it is proposed will be refurbished and will include some new build. The successful practice will be required to show a sound and practical development approach, to use the existing space well and to add a small amount of new build to complete facilities. The facility will include the following: a main performance space and ancillary uses for over 250 seats, dressing rooms, green room, a bar, a studio for 100 seats (which will also be used by artistic groups), a multipurpose room, a gallery, foyer with tables, kitchen and bar, toilets, studio workshops, offices and a lift. A conservation plan is also required. Teams will need to outline their headings for the work and include how they would deal with noise from the performance areas, how daylight will be handled, how the quality and integrity of the existing building will be enhanced, how the capacity and flexibility of seating can be resolved, how the stained glass can be better exploited and how circulation could work to its full potential.

Jury: Peter Eley - RIBA Adviser, Russell Gilderson - Chair of the Central Arts Trust, Clive Lyttle - Project Development Manager, John Desmond - Bernard Williams Associates. (additional jurors to be named)

What to Submit: Expressions of interest (in the form of a Practice Profile) should be no more than 10 pages of text and 10 pages of supplementary graphic material (20 single sided pages total). The submissions should include:

- Motivation for applying

- Evidence of previous experience

- Details of other relevant and completed projects

- A description of the architectural team and of those to be associated with this project

4 copies of this information should be supplied.

Registration: No fee

Questions:

RIBA Competitions Office

6 Melbourne Street

Leeds

LS2 7PS

telephone: 0113 234 1335

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