CA29

Autumn 1994

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The a ttentiono f travellers along the The sitingo f the ne w building takes northern by-pass in recent months has advantage of changed attitudes to the City been caught by the eye-catching roofline boundary in the face of the reality of the and curved form of the lonica building on A45(A 14): the original site development the St.Johns Innovation Park, which has strategy being constrained in that respect. just been completed. /t houses the head- In the case of this newest addition to the qUarferso f a ne wcomer totheITa nd Innovation Park, the design and p/anning Telecommunication scene, its freestanding continuity prompts reflections regarding mast sited to draw attention and symbolise the interrelatedness of architectural forrri a new player joining the competition with and site layout. What seems atfirst sighta BT and Mercury. The building was com- digression (in architectural form) from earmissioned by St John's College and was lier intentions, is perhaps partly symptodesigned and built in eighteen months, in matic of the driving forces of an economy association with the launch ofa new public which influences design criteria towards telephone service in1 g9s. Its title, an self promotion, at the expense of broader apposite allusion of architectural and sci- considerations of the form of the building entific order. Its location, theA 130a inter- blocks of the city. Its figure as a ‘gateway’ section to Cambridge imparts to this build- building undoubtedly will be seen asa miting a special significance, marking the igation. gateway to the City that is flanked by its C. L. Science Park and Innovation Park.

29 A

quarterly reviewof current arch itectural, urbanist and environmental issues and events in the Cambridge area produced by the Cambridge Associationof Architects.

The views in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and noto f the Association.

The roof venturis which attractively punctuate the skyline are a welcome recognition of the significance of the roof profile as a visual feature of the city. They signal at the same time the importanceof ventilation in today's computer-driven office environment. Changing attitudes to building ecoloe en vironmen tal gy ha ve influenced th desi n, allowing natural light and ventilation, and diurnal change,a role in the conditioning of the interior.

Not visible from the exterior, the building has a top-lit atrium, centred between two bandsof o ffice accommodation. That on the noisy and northern aspect predominantly brick clad. Glass curtain- walled, open-plano ffices occupy the stepped flank, facing into the Innovation Park and onto the St John's Innovation Centre, a complex designed nine years earlier by the same architects RH Partnership, Cambridge.

ARCHITECTURE GALLERY A new season of exhibitions opens this autumn at the Architecture Gallery with the joint exhibitions Philosophy f Wittgenstein in Cambridge and Kundmanngasse accompanied by events linked with Ludwig Wittgenstein publications and the launch of the Wittgenstein Archive, Cambridge. This is followed by the Connell Ward andLucas exhibition which has attracteda great deal of interest at its first showing at the Building Centre, London, accompanied bya catalogue which provides thc first comprehensive documentation of the pioneering work ofthis group of architccts. The Edwin Smith urban images exhibition has been rescheduled for January ‹ind will be followed in Spring by an Architecture Centre architect /artist collaboration, Quadratura, consisting o1’ an installation in St Peter’s Church and accompanying exhibition in the Gallery. Future projects planned for 1995 include the CAA local architects’ exhibition and an exhibition/workshop for practice and community architecture.

Arts Theatre Progress Report

Since March this year an enormous crane has hovered over the site of the Arts Theatre in Cambridge. The curious can peep through holes in the boarding along St Edward's Passage and see thata vast hole has appeared and the structure ofa new fly tower begun to emerge. But what exactly does the long-awaited refurbishment entail - and when, oh when will it reopen?

The answer to the first question is that architects Bland, Brown and Cole of Cambridge have created an imaginative scheme for a highly constricted site which will vastly improved both back stage and front of house facilities. The answer to thesecond, sadly, is that Cambridge is unlikely to get its theatre back before late 1996.

An energetic fund raising campaign has been doing an excellent job raising more than £2 million of its E3 million target since its launch in January 1993; but arounda further £3 million is needed to complete the entire scheme. Architect Barry Brown is far from downhearted however. “I am more optimistic now thanI have been fora long time.” What he and all of those involved in the project are pinning their hopes on is the new national lottery - due to start in November and make its first payouts to deserving causes next Spring.

The Arts Theatre project fits all of the lottery's stated criteria fors upport and Ba rry Brown believes they have an extremely good chance of success. The current contract on site with SDC Builders Ltd, involving the demolition of the St Edward's Passage entrance and the upper areas above the auditorium together with the construction of part of the basement area, the fly tower and the steel frame forthe main building, is due to finish around Easter next year, just when the lottery starts to pay out. There will be a bit of a hiatus before money can be granted and a contract for the remainder of the work started, but hopefully not too long. The remaining work, including fitting out and settling staff in could take up to two years.

So what, all being well, can Cambridge expect to find in the refurbished theatre when it eventually reopens? In general, total floor area has been increased by 50 per cent, partly at basement level by burrowing under Corpus Christi's neighbouring Bene't Court building and partly by creating new third and fourth floors above theflat roof of the old Roof Garden Restaurant. The general public will find re-styled entrances in both Peas Hill and St Edward's Passage. However, emphasis will be on maintaining the look of the present facade in St Edward's Passage with no dramatic revamping.

Inside, audiences will finda newly created access round the back of th e auditorium at ground level, linking the Peas Hill entrance with St Edward's Passage. This is achieved by using land taken from behind David's Bookshop and the Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society (who will benefit from improved basement areas in exchange). The new link will also housea much larger and more accessible bar.A new Circle bar will be created at first floor level using former office and storage space, on the opposite side to the existing coffee bar. On the second floor the Roof Garden Restaurant will be extended and glazed in, providing wonderful views over the nearby roofscape together witha large new kitchen and private dining facilities. The floor will also be raised to providea sound-proof deck over the auditorium below, making this level use during performances forthe first time. On the third floor some 300 square metres of office space will be created and above thata plant room which forthe first time will give the theatrea modernheating and ventilation system.

The auditorium itself will be refurbished with new seats and carpets and extra seating but the existing 30’s panelling will be restored and other period features maintained. Barry Brown,a keen amateur actor, who had his first stage experience at the Arts nearly 30 years ago, believes the auditorium, with its good acoustic qualities, is one aspect of the theatre that demands little change and indeed is the reason that makes thewhole project worthwhile B a c k stag e,h oweve r, the 1 93 0’s the at re de m and ed rad ica I ch an g e . Th e old wed ge shaped stage, so impossible for large dance and opera companies, will be expanded intoa regular rectangle putting Cambridge back on to the touring circuit for large productions. In the basement new, modern dressing rooms and showers will be built, with, for the first time,a proper band room, facilities for the crew anda wardrobe and laund The orchestra pit will be expanded and with provision of two stage lifts, it will be possible to change theconfiguration of the stage ina fraction of the previous time.

A prominent feature of the whole scheme has been providing access forthe disabled. There will be a lift to all areas, including the basement and floors will be levelled or ramped throughout. The plans provide for extra lavatories including one per floor for the disabled.

Contributions to the Campaign will be gratefully received. Please contact Emily Maguire at the Campaign Office next to the Arts Cinema, tel: 0223 357134 Glare Gilmour

Proposed

Existing

Cambridge Market Square Work is soon to start on the Market Square improvements and a test panel isbeing constructed in October showing the paving materials proposed forthe final scheme. Pen elope Hird City Council Consultation officer reports.

Cambridge Market is the centre of our city, providing life, colour and change; it is an important place for shopping and meeting friends, but it fails to live up to its potential as an urban space and is also showing signs of age. The drains are in urgent need ofrepair, the services available to traders are in need ofupdating and the footways, carriageway and market would all benefit from resurfacing.

It 1989a working party was set up

co mp risin g: the City and Cou nty Councils, Market Traders, the Chamber of Commerce, the University and leges, Cam b rid g e P rese rvation ciety, Camb ridge Association Of Architects, Great St. Mary's and Holy Trinity Churches and latterly Councillors representing the three political parties.

This Working Party had been considering options for the Market Square and taking on board the results of exhibitions and consultation seeking public opinion,.

The introduction of pedestrianisation in the City Centre has given the opportunity to transform Market Hill froma vehicle dominated area toa much more pedestrian friendly space capable of fulfillinga variety of uses at different times of the day and evening.

Cambridge City Council is now working towards making the Market Square the vibrant heart of the City, and proposals consist of: Re-surfacing to createa flush surface using the existing granite setts, granite flags and york stone.

New Market Stalls including special units for “high risk” stalls N ew lig hting sche me design by Lighting Design Partnership New Fountain as central focus of the market Water has been an important feature of the Market for500 years and an eyecatching new fountain is planned to makea worthy centrepiece to the thriv-

ing and historic Cambridge market.A

national design competition fora new fountain organised by Commissions East attracted over 100 entries and six artists were shortlisted to preparea detailed proposal and model. These were on display in the Guildhall during the first week ofOctober.

Travers Morgan have been appointed as consultant engineers and they are now co-ordinating the production of the contact documentation. A national advertisement inviting contractors to apply for inclusion on a tender list is attracting considerable interest.

It is anticipated that work will commence on site early in 1995.

MARKET SQUARE

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PRACTICE DIALOGUE

GRADUATE

nuuac

is divided into five units, each containing two 1 - bedroom flats at ground level and a student house on first and second

A number of architects have met to disc u s s settin g up reg ula r m eetin g s to exchange views on practice issues. It was suggested that these should be held at least at quarterly intervals in the evening at the Regional Office in King's Parade. It is likely that each meeting would be focused around one topic, but would be open for the discussion of other topics. The meetings would be relaxed affairs witha glass of wine and nibbles. These meetings could be of interest to all architects, but might be of particular interest to the smaller and younger practices in the area. It seems that these types of meeting have been running successfully in other regions. There is enthusiasm forthe idea and suggested topics are: Construction and technology Client relationships Planning applications Changes in building regulations Specification writing Building contacts Computers and office management Designing forthe disabled Feed back from th e Citiz en’s Advice Bureau Topics might be introduced by a member, or invited ‘expert’ such asa planning officer.

A first meetin g will be held at King's Parade at 7.30p m on Wednesday 9 November, when the main topic will be Constructiona nd Technology. Please come and bring any other issues you would like to discuss.

Ian Steen

QUALITY INTOWN AND COUNTRY

Allies and Morrison Architects

,m,

-This publication was circulated by the DOE in late summer togenerate comment, discussion and ultimately action. It seeks to bring about increased ‘awareness that good design of buildings matters and throu g h better desig n’ to ‘improve the quality of the built environment in our cities, towns and villages’.

It looks at ways ofdoing this under various headings; the relationship between town and country, towns as villages, vital and viable town centres, the local environment, heritage, better building, traffic,

housing, quality and investment and taking the north end of the court was completed only in 1950. The Library was decisions in the round. the last principal College building At each stage it raises and states probing remaining to be built; Quinlan Terry's questions fordiscussion. new building finished last year is one After the mad, aimless spending of the of the most important test pieces of eighties and the dismay of the recession the new classicism, in terms of the architects must find this document reassurprovision of 1990s needs withina ing. It suggests that politicians do care classical building, and the way the about those broad issues which architects building relates to the architectural have long felt were disregarded but which and spatial character of one of this they value highly. country's most important neo-classiOf course this may all be a vote-winning cal settings. The new library is the first purpose designed accommodaPR exercise, parto f Major's Citizens' tion for the College collection, with Charter. It may also mean that inadvertentspace for30-40,000 books and 100 ly John Gummer recruited some bright and readers. It is one of five buildings on otherwise unemployed architects to put the site by the same architect. together this intelligent and well illustrated N e w Stu d y C e n t r e , D a rw in series of arguments.

C o IIe g e However there is enough here to disDarwin College isa mixture of conplace cynicism and to say this could lead to verted c19 b u ild in gs (N ew n h am something good.

Grange, the Olde Granary altered by J.J. Stephenson in 1895) with 1960s David Yandell buildings by Howell Killick Partridge and Amis. The new Study Centre by Jeremy Dixon and Edward Jones occupiesa narrow and highly sensiNEW COLLEGE LIBRARIES tive site, which used to bea kitchen World Day ofArchitecture Tour garden, overlooking the Cam and LaundressG reen. The City Council RecenI yearshave seen Cambridge refused permission on the grounds of Colleges expanding their library accommo- the development's effect on the landdation to provide foras much aspossible of scape setting, but the scheme was their students' needs within each college. allowed on appeal. The building proSome years ago the first World Day tour, videsa study centre for postgraduate “Modern Buildings”, visited the new Clare students, witha wide variety of types Library. Since thena series of Colleges of workplace, with computers and for have built new libraries or extended existing reading and writing. The open access ones. Evans and Shalev's new library for lib rary and read in g space on the Jesus is under construction, while Ted upper floor is more informal thana Cullinan's library (part new, part alteration) conventional college library serving at St John's has recently been completed. undergraduates.

Library accommodation has been expandT h e Wa r M e mo ria I L ib ra r y, ed within existing buildings at King's and Q u e e n s C o IIe g e Corpus Christi, and the construction of the The Q ueens’ Col lege lib rary is w underground book store at Trinity housed within the original college /olveda major engineering operation. All chapel, dating from 1448 and refitted the new libraries have challenged their by James Essex in the c18 and in the architects with the problem of providing for c19 by Bodley, who designed the new today’s needs within the constraints of his- Chapel of 1890. The former chapel toric surroundings, and they provide rare was altered to forma Library in 1951and fascinating comparisons of different 2 by Richardson, who added galleries architectural responses to similar require- but retained the full height of the main ments. The three buildings visited in this space. Richardson's work has recentyear's tour, the fifth, held on 3rd July, pro- ly been entirely reconstructed by vided contrasting insights into these chalBland Brown and Cole to provide lenges and constraints, and their influence improved facilities and new reader on the design process. Both morning and spaces, and the library was reopened afternoon sessions were well attended and in January 1994. Still connected tothe demonstrated popular interest,.

Old Library, the newly fitted out interiT h e M a iI I an d R o b in s o n or spaces with inserted mezzanine L ib r a ry, D o w n in g C oIIe g e floors and galleries are linked by a William Wilkins’ grand idea for Downing new staircase. This scheme involved College was never fully completed. He had som e controversy in that the fuII intended the Library and Chapel to be proheight of the original Chapel can no vided ina colonnaded block across the longer be appreciated, but it can be southern end of the main court, but money considered as just one ina sequence ran out after only parts of the east and of alterations carried out to this hiswest ranges had been built. Subsequent toric building through the centuries. a rchitects at Downing were faith fuI to Wilkins’ neo-classical vision: the Chapel at John Preston

STUDY CENTRE FOR CHURCHILL COLLEGE In1992 we were asked to prepare proposals to extend and adapt the existing pavilion and music centre in order to produce four classrooms, one of which was to be capable of being divided into two, and two supervision/syndicate rooms, together witha new common room,a bar/kitchen and storage. The existing functions of the pavilion and music centre were to be maintained and the new part of the building was to be capable of supportinga possible future upper floor.

A new east-west route has been established, marked by an angular rooflight and linking with the pedestrian circulation to the new Moller Centre. The route is generous in scale and swells out in to the common room anda concourse area to allow groups from both the recital room and the classrooms to gather informally between musical presentations and teaching. The bar/kitchen serves into this concourse as well as into the common room. “Crinkle crankle’ walls between classrooms provide good sound insulation and form vertical ducts which incorporate the mechanicalventilation system.

The style of the new building is toa great extent influenced by that of the existing pavilion and recital suite. On the north side the extension uses the same facing bricks and window details. On the south side the new classrooms havea simple repetition of timber framed windows, echoing the existing architectural style of the College, with the addition ofa louvred brise soleil, helping to maintain good conditions in the rooms and visually linking the new and old sections of the building together.

Thurlow Carnell& Thornburrow Architects.

CPD FOR YOUNG ARCHITECTS Ata meeting of the RIBA Eastern Region Education Committee in June it was decided to set upa pilot course of continuing professional development foryoung architects.

Aimed primarily at year-out and Part III students the course is seen asa primer forthe professional practice exam aswell as being an opportunity for younger members ofthe profession to meet and discuss issues of interest.

It is not intended to exclude those already qualified and hopefully certain topics will appeal toa wider audience but there is already an extensive programme of CPD forolder architects and it was felt that the lack of organised activity for the less experienced needed correction. Students just leaving college tend to be left to their own devices as faras structured learning is concerned. True, offices should provide this to some extent but often busy practitioners do not have the time to spend on education which is not strictly orientated to the job at hand. For the many students who have no job at aI! this professional vacuum is felt all the more.

Meetings will be held at monthly intervals, usually in the RIBA gallery on Kings Parade with perhaps an illustrated talk followed bv questions and open discussion.

-They will begin at 5.30 pm and will last one to one and a half hours. Ideas fortopics include building case studies, contract administration, views from various consultants and architects in practice and so on.

The programme will be flexible and any ideas 1rom those participating will be welcome.

The first meeting is on Wednesday 26th October and will be on the building of Sir N o rman F oster's n ew law lib ra ry in Cambridge. Speakers will be Prof. Peter Carolin and Chris Connell (project architect).

A second is planned for23, November and a full programme ofevents will follow in due coUrSe.

For furth er information co ntact Tim Brading on 0223 461458 orJerry Lander on 0223 66555.

J.L.

OTHER LOCAL CPD EVENTS Tim Brading continues to organise excellent afternoon seminars and workshops on

behalf of the Region. Forthcoming subjects will include construction design and management (CDM Regulations): trees; repairs and refurbishment to interiors of old and his-

to ric buildings; changes in the Building Regulations; and building defects The CAA continues to arrange evening meetings free of charge. The most recent event was a joint meeting with the Facility Managers. In the coming year, evenings are plann ed for Construction and Materials (16 November), a joint meeting with the Building Services Engineers; Changes inBuilding Regulations and VAT rules; and the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM).

Should anyone wish to become involved

in organising events or have any topics they would like covered please contact Paul

Darlow, CAA

CPD

Officer, c/o Thomson

CONSERVATION AWARDS 1994

Federation of Small Businesses

South C amb rid g e s hi re D i st ri ct C o u n c iI s h ortlisted seven b uild in gs for t his yea rs awards, which were visited by the Conservation Committee. The Conservation Awa rd was g iven for the restoratio n ofa C17 thatch ed cottage at 20, Station Road, Over (builder Mike McConnel). CraftS kills Awards were given to Clive Dobson fo r the reth atching ofa barn at the Kn oll, Bourn, and to Ad rian Grey fo r renovation wo rk at Sextons Cottage, Fowl mere and the barn at the Knoll.

To promote and protect the interests of all self employed people and directors of small businesses, the Federation of S m all B u sinesses was formed in 1974 asa parliamentary lobbying group. It has become the most successful b usiness press ure group in the Country.

The FSB p rovides the membership with free benefits and protection, including 24 houra day Legal Advisory line, both business& personal, an d Special ist Adv ice lines for TAX, DSS, VAT, and

The emphasis in the awards is primarily on the application of traditional craft skills and the use of authentic materials and tech-

niques of the period.

Design, telephone 0223 811744.

CAA OPEN EXHIBITION An exhibition of the work of local architects is being organised and promoted by the Cambridge Association of Architects, for a public showing in early summer atthe Architecture Gallery. Entries for each practice will be limited to an A1 panel (landscape) mounted on foamboard.

Employment Law etc.

An exhib ition of the s h o rtlisted schemes h asbe en onsh ow at theM il to n C o u n t ry P a rk V is ito rs C en tre and it is h o p e d w ill continue at the District Council Offices in H ills Road.

D.R.

DATABASE& DIRECTORY OF PASSIVE SOLAR BUILDINGS INTHE UK

Enquiries to Waymans (Coppingford) Ltd

pa rt of the total ben efits pac kage. In respo nse to members request the FSB InsBrokerage was set up last Autumn saving substantial sums inreduced premiums,

Altechnica, on behalf of the DTI, is developing a database of the passive solar buildings in the UK to include buildings designed to obtaina passive solar contribution to space heating, day lighting and/or cooling loads. They would like to hear from any one who has been involved in the desig n, construction, analysis, monitoring or commisioning of passive solar buildings in the UK. Please contact Dr Derek Taylor at Altechnica, 85 Waterside, Peartree Bridge, Milton Keynes, MK6 3DE, telephone (0908) 668797. A directory of passive solar architects, consultants A.C.

Main contractors on the important, local conservation and restoration projects at Rayners Farm, Whittlesford and St.Mary theVirgin, Gt Shelford Our directly employed labour and hands on management approach has allowed us to complete work toa high standard on many historic buildings in Cambridp•eshire

Health& Safety Prosecutions & Industrial Tribunals are just

while maintaining the level of cover.

and builders will be published.

Church& Building Restoration Committed toQuality Workmanship

Leg al and P rofess ional costs in dealing with In-Depth Tax i nvestig atio ns, VAT Tribunals, PAYE Disputes;

Leys School Sports Hall The first phase of the new sports hall for the Leys School, Trumpington Road, Cambridge will be completed in early 1995. The building includes a five badminton court sports hall,a first floor projectile range, three glass backed squash courts, fitness room and aerobics area and changing facilities.A second phase will consist of an aerobics studio and further changing rooms due to be completed in April 1995.

The project has been carefully designed to minimise the impact ofa large building on this sensitive site.

The structure of the hall roof isa composition of Glulam beams and steel tensile members, and has translucent glazing to provide natural light.

Lyster Grillet& Harding Architects

Members in this Region

have the added benefit ofa highly experienced full time, local Officer, wh o can be contacted by phone. Over the past5 years he has assisted

h und reds of members with Ten anc ies,

Ratin g

an d

Planning appeals, Equipment Leasing and n ation al

Government Depts, etc. This

is a tota Ily “h an d s o n” involvement with the back-up of the FS B's n ationwide Lega I an d Info rm ation Service.

The FSB is non-profit makingand administration costs are kept toa minimum. With over 60,000 members in 32 Reg ion s and 22 0 local Branch esin the U . K., the FSB is recognised as the major organisation representing the small business sector.

The Press& Parliamentary Offices are near Westminster

and the Head Office is in Lytham St Agnes.

For f urt h e r info rm ation please contact, M rs.

M . A. D ixon , W in dy ridg e, 4 Wo rts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 4RL tel. 246783

CAA/RIBA DIARY Young architects CPD Fosters Law Faculty Library Architecture Centre 26 October 5.30pm EREG Onedaywork shop on

areproud to be associated with the Arts and Lecture Theatre, Bene't Court, Cambridge

Sustainable Development in the built Environment Madingley Hall

31 October. 10am

CAA Committee Meetings Architecture Centre 6.30pm, All Welcome 7 November& 5 December CPD Construction& Materials Joint Meeting with Building Services Engineers Architecture Centre 16 November 6.30pm

REFINEMENT AND PRIDE INBUILDING Limegrove House, Caxton Road, Bedford MK41 OQQ Telephone: (0234) 363155

Practice Dialogue Construction& Technology Architecture Centre 9 November 7.30pm Young architects CPD Architecture Centre 23 November 5.30pm EREG onedayseminar on Air Infiltration and Air Ouality University Centre. 23 November

HANNAH REED ASSOCIATES Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers are delighted to have been involved in the new Headquarters forlonica

Hannah Reed and Associates Telford House Fulbourn Cambridge CB1 5HB

Tel: 01223 882000 Fax: 01223 881888

ARCHITECTURE GALLERY Kundmanngasse Ludwig Wittgenstein, Architect Architecture Gallery 24 October 30 November talks: 7.00pm1 November Paul Wijdeveld (author of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Architect) and Otto Kapfinger, Vienna (House Wittgenstein biography ofa myth) 7.00 pm 4 November Colin St John Wilson (Thinking, Gesture, Architecture) and Bernard Leitner, Vienna (Wittgenstein's Art of Architecture) all talks at Keynes Hall, Kings College ConnellMard/Lucas Architecture Gallery2 December - 12 January 1995 talk by Dennis Sharp 7.00pm 2 December Keynes Hall, Kings College Edwin Smith urban images Architecture Gallery 14 January -2 March This Newsletter isdistributed by

—ELECTRICITY

Letters and contributions to Cam6r/rfge Architecture are welcomed. Copy deadline for Winter Issue,3 February 1995

Editorial Board:

David Raven t co editors

Colen Lumley Richard Brimblecombe

Anne Cooper David Yandell

Cambridge Architecture c/o Trumpington Mews T rumpington, Cambridge CB2 2LS Tel353115/ 843931 Fax 353112/ 844426