NORWICH ARTS PLAIN
Returning a historic banking hall to an open, vibrant civic space, our design reimagines its grandeur while fostering a sense of community and engagement. The transformation of this once-private space, creates a prominent gateway to the university, offering a dynamic and welcoming entrance that seamlessly connects heritage with contemporary academic life
FOR NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF ARTS
Coffey Architects were invited for the competition in relation to the conversion of the Grade II listed banking hall into new arts facility for Norwich University of Arts.
The project includes an exhibition hall, a library, a cafe and back of house spaces.
‘As London has its Squares, so Norwich has its plains’
Richard Lane, Author
In the 16th century, Dutch and Flemish textile workers settled in Norwich, bringing with them influences that shaped the city's urban fabric. Derived from the Dutch word ‘plein’, the Norwich ‘plains’ came to define the city's squares and open spaces, offering contrast to the surrounding maze of narrow streets. In Norwich, ‘plain’ became the local term for an open space, and this project seeks to honour that tradition by creating a new plain within the city. The vision is to reimagine the space as a unified urban plain, where the existing building and diverse mix of uses come together to form a cohesive and vibrant public space.
Inspired by some of the great Italian ‘piazzas’ the project seeks to use a geometric intervention that harmonises the surrounding spaces.
The existing banking hall is ideally positioned among a collection of smaller perimeter spaces, allowing it to function as a dynamic and inviting public space that fosters connection and movement.
BRINGING THE BUILDING BACK TO ITS FORMER GLORY
Over the years, the banking hall has been altered with various interventions, causing it to lose its original clarity and grandeur. This project aims to restore and enhance the enduring qualities of the space, while also allowing it to be curated and activated by the eclectic arts culture and community surrounding the university.
A UNIFYING INTERVENTION
Rather than presenting itself as a singular architectural object, the proposal focuses on creating a series of unique spaces that work harmoniously together. The circular forms are carefully integrated to complete the existing apse spaces, which frame the hall at either end, enhancing the overall composition of the space.
The central ellipse plays a pivotal role in unifying the otherwise irregular space, bridging the gap between old and new elements, multiple uses, and various connections. This thoughtful design ensures that the space is flexible and adaptable, providing a seamless flow between different areas.
The result is a space that feels inviting, dynamic, and deeply connected to its existing context, fostering a sense of continuity while offering a fresh and contemporary experience.
A ENTRANCE & CAFÉ
The new brass-lined entrance provides level access to the café located at the front of the building, ensuring ease of entry for all visitors. In addition, the café utilises the existing entrance, offering flexibility in its operation. This allows the café to have independent opening hours, separate from the university’s schedule, enhancing its accessibility and convenience for the public.
THE ARTS PLAIN
The design features varying section heights, transitioning from a more intimate lower perimeter colonnade space to expansive voids that offer views of the library above and suspended artworks. This variation in height creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, enhancing the experience of the space.
To support the flexible use of the space, retractable hangers are integrated into the roof void zone. These hangers are fixed to the structure, providing a versatile solution for suspending rigging and artworks, allowing the space to be easily adapted for different exhibitions and events.
THE LIBRARY
Located at the mezzanine level, the library is accessed via the spiral staircase near the main entrance or the existing lift from the ground floor hall level. Additionally, it can be accessed directly from the adjacent student canteen, as well as from the research and post-graduate departments.
This layout is designed with flexibility in mind, offering a gradient of experiences. Visitors are welcomed into open, informal arrival spaces and central areas, gradually moving towards more private and intimate zones across the floorplate. This progression ensures a diverse and dynamic user experience.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION AND FUTURE PROOFING OF THE ARCHIVE
The proposed spiral staircase and existing lift access can be extended down to the basement level, seamlessly integrating the archive into the building.
Additionally, there are opportunities to create openings in the ground floor slab, allowing views into the basement from above. This will help to connect the archive with the rest of the space, making it an integral part of the Arts Plain experience.
THIRD SPACES
Third spaces are integrated throughout the library, offering a variety of experiences. Informal seating by the entrance invites relaxed reading with a coffee, while private study desks are nestled within the collection for focused work. Central group areas, with lower book stacks, encourage connection among students. Artwork flows through the space, creating a sense of continuity, and abundant daylight and thoughtful planting enhance the overall comfort and atmosphere.
LOCATION
Norwich, UK
SIZE
2750 sqm
STATUS
-
CLIENT
Norwich University of Arts