An intriguing new public landscape and pedestrian connection
Jamie Fobert Architects with Evans & Shalev for Tate St Ives
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 1,802 m²
The reconfiguration and extension of Tate St Ives has resulted in twice as much gallery and enhances a public route. The visible manifestation of the new building – a faience-clad loading bay – is minimal and modest, underplaying its impact on the interior experience.
The gallery extension has been carved out of the hillside; the top lit space is capped by deep, in-situ beams which create rhythm and character. From the loading bay, soaring etched-glass doors give access to a huge goods lift connecting all floors – and also providing better disabled access. A new picture store and workshop help the gallery work better. A winding in-situ concrete staff stair with lacquered steel celebrates simplicity while connecting a new, upper level staff entrance to offices and staff amenity with stunning seaward views. Granite and glass gallery rooflights emerge into a public landscape echoing nearby cliff tops. By architectural ingenuity, a building has been delivered where there appeared to be no site, with minimal intrusion. It has created an intriguing new public landscape and pedestrian connection from hilltop to beach and, with subtle reordering of the original gallery, it achieves a seamless environment in which to enjoy art.
See the other winners in the RIBA regional awards - South West