Design process
The building was completed in the autumn of 2005, and formally opened in October.
CABE, as one of the many players in the Museum's evolution, made an important contribution to both the Flaxengate masterplan and the design of the building. In 2000 an enabler was appointed to assist in getting the project off to a good start; CABE was represented on the Urban Panel which met in Lincoln in May and August 2001 to review urban design initiatives in the city including the museum; two CABE design reviews in 2001 suggested ways to enhance the design.
Originally the site was occupied by residential terraces, until 1960 when a multi storey car park took its place. Lincoln City Council came to the decision that the site would be better used as a museum that could link the old city to the new commercial development. The existing city museum had been closed in 1993 and the first bid for funding for a new museum was put to the Heritage Lottery Fund in 1999.
In March 2000 an enabler was appointed by CABE to help with crucial design issues, one of which was selecting an architect. Out of 79 potential candidates chosen for an interview, seven were short-listed. Panter Hudspith had taken a strategic approach to the project unlike the more deterministic sketch design submissions of other candidates, and was consequently favoured by both the enabler and the City Council. Their statement of approach allowed greater input from Lincoln City Council as it did not tie them down to a design solution at this early stage.
The project, recognised by both the client and CABE as important for the regeneration of this city, involved some significant design challenges, in particular the opportunity to bring new life to the Flaxengate area and to make an effective link with the Usher Gallery in Temple Gardens which houses the art collection belonging to the City of Lincoln. There were also concerns about the original feasibility study, which assumed that the car park would be accommodated below the museum and a bridge would link the old and new gallery buildings. These features would mean that views to the city would be obstructed.
In August 2000 Panter Hudspith prepared a brief for the work that the team would undertake on the wider masterplan issues. The enabler was not directly involved with the design development process but maintained contact with the architect to oversee its progress.
At the design review stage at CABE the low headroom below the bridge where people would pass through the site was criticised and it was suggested that this aspect of the design might need revision. The architect however maintained that this was an important element in the plan and that the space was sufficient and the passage below the bridge was retained.
The building of the museum has been documented in a series of photographs by Stephen Gill, taken between 2003-2005. Some have been installed in the museum.
