Creative Centre for York St. John University Building, Architecture Design Images
Creative Centre for York St. John University
New Auditorium Building in northern England design by Tate Harmer Architects, UK
23 Mar 2018
Creative Centre Auditorium for York St. John University
Address: York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX, UK
Design: Tate Harmer, Architects
York St. John University Creative Centre Building
Design Competition win for Tate Harmer to design new arts centre at York St. Johns University
Tate Harmer has won an architecture competition to design a new arts, design and performance centre for York St. John University. Creating an aspirational focal point for the university, the design aims to provide a 200-seat auditorium and flexible teaching space that can adapt to various students’ needs and the evolution of art, design and media production courses.
Shortlisted architecture practices included Feilden Clegg Bradley, Building Design Partnership, Nicholas Hare Architects, Portacabin and AHR Architects.
Modelled on New York City’s Lincoln Centre, the new auditorium will be flanked by a large window facing onto York Minster, offering a unique portal to the performances within, and spectacular views of the cathedral outside. The new hall will support a broad range of performances, including multi-disciplinary and technology-driven creative collaborations.
With the plans still to be finalised, Tate Harmer’s proposal would deliver 3,000 sqm of flexible teaching space as well as allowing for the potential expansion of an additional 1,500 sqm.
The proposed scheme includes a collaborative atrium space that will link the teaching spaces and auditorium, creating three levels of communal area, effectively acting as a ‘mixing valve’ between creative disciplines. This communal space will connect on the western side of the building with the existing Design Centre. This will be enclosed by a cost-effective ETFE foil covering, similar to that used in the Eden Project. The atrium will be made of a timber-framed structure with a clear ETFE enclosure to provide a covered green space for collaboration, whilst the teaching blocks will be constructed out of timber framed CLT to create large clear spans for maximum flexibility.
The auditorium will form a beacon at the centre of the campus, facing onto York Minster and creating a new civic space at the heart of the site. A new landscaped street will link all existing and proposed buildings forming an integrated, easy to navigate centre of the campus.
“We are delighted to have been chosen by York St. John University to design their new Creative Centre.” says Jerry Tate, Partner at Tate Harmer.
“Serving as a beacon for the campus, our designs reflect the ambitions of the university to significantly improve student learning and experience. We are looking forward to developing the plans further with the team.”
Rob Hickey, Executive Director of Innovation and Growth at York St John University said: “As one of the fastest growing universities in the country, we need to develop innovative teaching space for specialist subjects. We were impressed with Tate Harmer’s proposal for a vibrant, state-of-the-art creative centre that recognises the needs of future students. Their design was the stand-our winner for reflecting the ambition and optimism of York St John University, making the most of the building’s position in the centre of campus and showcasing our location in the heart of the city.”
York St. John University Creative Centre Auditorium – Building Information
Architect / Designer: Rory Harmer
Team details
• Architects: Tate Harmer
• QS & Project Managers: Robinson Low Francis
• M&E engineer: Atelier Ten
• Structural engineer: Atelier One
• Acoustic & Theatre consultant: Sound Space Vision
• Access consultant: Sensory Trust
• Landscape architect: Colour
• Planning consultant: McKenzie Town Planning
• Client: York St. John University
About Tate Harmer
Founded in 2007, Tate Harmer is one of the UK’s leading sustainable architects working within natural environments, based in East London. The practice is experienced in residential, cultural, leisure and education projects, creating inspirational and sustainable spaces for people and communities that connect with, and respond to the natural environment.
The practice specialises in producing bespoke, economical solutions for sensitive locations, unique landscapes, important historic settings or tight urban pocket spaces.
Recent projects include The Brunel Museum, The Museum of Scouting and Cranleigh Preparatory School. The practice has also delivered a number of playful interventions at the Eden Project including a series of high level visitor walkways and a treetop research station. Tate Harmer works in and around London and nationwide.
CGIs of proposed New Creative Centre for York St. John University © Tate Harmer
York St. John University New Creative Centre Auditorium images / information from architects Tate Harmer
Phone: +44 1904 624624
Location: York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York, YO31 7EX, North Yorkshire, England, UK
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