Whitworth Art Gallery / Amanda Levete Architects
Amanda Levete Architects shared with us their submission for the extension for the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.
The form intends to compliment the 19th century gallery, yet still maintain its individuality as a separate element. The extension, then, becomes not “one building connected to another but as something more abstract: a gesture that merges landscape with building.” The urban gallery’s setting within Whitworth Park allows the building to merge with the landscape to “create a dynamic and inhabitable” space. “As the park becomes the folds of fabric, these folds are sliced, peeled, and pulled to house, expose, and articulate the new program of activities of that embodies the new Whitworth Gallery,” explained the architects. The park seems to be gathered together and drawn into the building, creating an extension that fosters a relationship between interior and exterior, object and landscape.
More images after the break.
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16 comments »
morphology reminds me Eisenman
Seems nice, Introducing the new without competing with the old.
shared with us?
you mean “sent it in”.
I was slightly interesed in looking at this project until I saw the sheet concept.
Dustin – sheet concept relates directly to Manchester and textiles being a significant part of the city’s heritage. Whitworth has just completed an exhibition on textiles.
When/if that’s built, I have got to get me and my BMX down there. Check those ramps!
The project is quite intresting, but why the hell the folding cloth? Does the project need THAT to make any sense? Or does it “justify” the project? Architecture doesn’t need that, which is a marketing-like argument. Besides, if you want architects to enjoy your project, please send floor plans and section slices.
The cloth is a concept image.. I always find it interesting to see what architects use as the inspiration or intellectual basis for their ideas, even if it is not immediately apparent in the final design.
Clear, simple and restrained idea for an addition. Best of luck with the execution.
Tom,
Was that really a necessary comment? Plenty of firms submit their work to blogs – since when is that a negative form of communication and discovery? ArchDaily ultimately decides if/which projects are shown. It would be much more constructive to share your opinion on the project itself rather than bickering over semantics.
This site has ’secret’ photos of the boards and models on exhibition at the Whitworth gallery
http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?sessionx=IpqiNwImNwXmJly6IHqjNwB6IA
Loved it!!!
And would love to see that come to life :)
Best of luck with the execution.[2]
wow, cant wait for this one!
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