The Hat Factory
The Hat Factory
Luton is not an obvious cultural centre but its population does represent a rich blend of different traditions. The Artezium arts centre consciously set out to provide facilities which would encourage these to develop and interact, fostering cultural life from the wishes, ambitions and potential of its community rather than imposing standard cultural norms.
Participation is as important as observation. So the dance studio has configurations for audience and stage or group activities, and the central courtyard can be either a performance space or an area for mingling. Both are enlivened by a large artwork by Tim Head made from car reflectors, a reference to Luton's main industry. Similarly the range of TV studios and editing suites allows participants to perform in, make and present programmes - even to screen them in the cinema. There is also a gallery for travelling exhibitions, and the possibility of a nightclub to generate revenue.
Participation is as important as observation. So the dance studio has configurations for audience and stage or group activities, and the central courtyard can be either a performance space or an area for mingling. Both are enlivened by a large artwork by Tim Head made from car reflectors, a reference to Luton's main industry. Similarly the range of TV studios and editing suites allows participants to perform in, make and present programmes - even to screen them in the cinema. There is also a gallery for travelling exhibitions, and the possibility of a nightclub to generate revenue.
The design makes best use of resources, converting a former hat factory into a café with studios above, while the highly serviced gallery, dance and TV studios are in a new building. Making a single access point through the central courtyard and combining vertical circulation to all parts minimises running costs and aids accessibility.
press:
Building Design January 2001; Eastern Region Architecture Millennium Handbook December 2000; British Architectural Profile December 1999; Access by Design May 1999; Building Design January 1999; Britains Architects January 1999; Arts Council Lottery Funded Projects March 1998; Building Design September 1996; Civic Trust Awards December 1990;
press:
Building Design January 2001; Eastern Region Architecture Millennium Handbook December 2000; British Architectural Profile December 1999; Access by Design May 1999; Building Design January 1999; Britains Architects January 1999; Arts Council Lottery Funded Projects March 1998; Building Design September 1996; Civic Trust Awards December 1990;