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Bags of imagination and engineering skill were required in the construction of Nottingham Contemporary, a 3,400m2 arts space in the centre of the city.
The site was previously undeveloped, and it’s easy to see why: it slopes steeply, required extensive utility diversion works, had severely restricted access, and sits above the Broadmarsh caves, which have Ancient Monument status.
But this awkwardness is also what makes it work as a contemporary arts space. Its character is drawn from the physicality of the site, and inspired by the architecture of neighbouring warehouse buildings in the Lace Market. Lace patterns were set into pre-cast concrete cladding in homage to the area’s history, and the whole structure evokes the dramatic ‘found space’ feel of urban warehouse galleries.
Delivering this project on such a challenging site depended on the finely tuned coordination of structure, services and architecture. The result significantly enhances Nottingham’s place on the cultural scene.
"Highly sophisticated in terms of both design and delivery."