GRAEME KENNEDY
PERSONAL PROJECT PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE Conversion of a former primary school gymnasium and baths into a cultural performance venue located in the West End of Glasgow.
BRIEF : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
A disused swimming pool in the West End of Glasgow has been considered as a potential location for a new centre for the performing arts. Communal theatre space and rehearsal studios are requested, and the following institutions will be the main contributors of events and shows within the space; organising a mixture of public and private events: Scottish Ballet Scottish Opera Dance Point RSAMD The Cottier Theatre Theatre Hub Performing Arts Institutions such as The Cottier Theatre and TheatreHub are within short walking distance from the project location. Relocation to larger venues for such production companies would be a consideration for the future due to an evergrowing demand. The building is close to local infrastructure such as Kelvinhall underground station and Partick railway station; making it a prime location for performers from all over Glasgow to commute to the space with ease. Venues with similar purposes such as The Tramway and The Briggait are located either in the South Side of the city or in The East End. There are currently no venues in the locale of the West End which incorporates a space of equivalent scale. The baths and gymnasium building itself is has remained unoccupied since 1995 and have been exposed to years of precipitation; resulting in critical condition of the building. The roof of the existing janitor’s house has collapsed and it remains as a hotspot for vegetation.
CONCEPTUAL IDEAS : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
Conceptual Drawings showing use of the depth of the pool by containing the theatre space within it
The building was chosen primarily for, not only its size, but its former use comes as an advantage to the concept of the theatre. The building is a double height atrium space like other older pool houses. The vision was to submerge the auditorium space using the depth of the pool; as well as provision of studio rehearsal spaces above the auditorium. The building proved to be a challenge when pursuing this concept, as there were many obstructions and height restrictions due to the pitched roof and low depth of the swimming pool. Many alternatives were carried out; which resulted in the final design having an alteration in what has been utilised within the space. Shown below in the diagram, the audtiorium is elevated above rehearsal studios located underneath. The utilisation of the pool to the best of its ability was achieved through this design.
VENUE : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
A
B
PROJECT SITE LOCATION (Former School Swimming Pool & Janitor’s
SOCIAL WORK OFFICE (Former School Assembly Building)
S
Byres Road
Dumbarton Road Church Street
VENUE : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
Conceptual art depicting the entrance area. The roof has been been enhanced with additional skylights to add to the retained former skylight running the full length of the building; creating one of the brightest areas of the space.
Early concept art representing use of the depth of the pool.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
CAFE SPACE
ENTRANCE
VIEWING PLATFORM
REHEARSAL SPACE ACCESS RAMP
REHEARSAL SPACE ACCESS RAMP submerged space built into former pool
GROUND FLOOR
AUDITORIUM PLAN : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
2
1
FIRST FLOOR. LOCATION OF THEATRE SPACE
VISUALS : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
ELEVEATED THEATRE SPACE
REHEARSAL ROOM : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
1
CONCEPTUAL IDEAS : PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTRE
House)
Glasgow University
Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Kelvin Halls
Site Location