During Open House London this year, I was lucky enough to have a quick explore of Banbury Studios, the home of theatre company Graeae.
Graeae describes itself “as a force for change in world-class theatre, breaking down barriers, challenging preconceptions and boldly placing disabled artists centre stage.” Named after three sisters in Greek mythology who shared a tooth and an eye they had to take turns in using, Graeae champions working together and sharing resources. Their home, Banbury Studios, is a Grade II listed building. So the challenge for architects, Artillery Architecture and Interior Design, was three-fold; to create an inspiring, creative environment, to create an accessible workspace and resource without any of the trappings of an institutional environment, and to do all of that within the confines of Grade II legislation. Quite a tall order.
Three distinct colours are used, as a nod to the three sisters, and also to provide strong visual references distinguishing different areas of activity. Recessed circular lights provide interesting features, and also varying lighting levels to help visually impaired people denote different areas. A low-level cantilevered wall also helps people find their way through the building.
Prevented by local planning restrictions from using the large-scale back-lit sign they had intended, the architects instead created three-dimension letters spelling out Graeae, one in each arch of the building’s facade, back-lit by the space behind it. They are designed to appeal to the senses and represent the diversity of Graeae and its members.
The light, airy ‘living room’ is designed on a domestic scale to provide a space to relax after the exuberance of all that theatrical activity.
The quietest space in the building is the fully DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant office for the administration staff – where, again, colour is used to great effect.
But at no point in navigating the functionality of the building, is its purpose or spirit lost. The walls are adorned with art work, like the piece above (“Great Britain from a Wheel Chair” by Tony Heaton), that celebrate Graeae’s ambitions and inspire those that use the space.
In winning the “Best Project up to 2,000m2” at the British Council for Offices National Awards in 2010, Artillery and Paragon were rewarded for their “wholly responsive and spirited approach to the unique criteria set out by their client.” Well, as they say, if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing… with a wholly responsive and spirited approach!
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- http://www.graeae.org/content/uploads/2011/01/Graeae-Bradbury-Studios-Info.pdf
- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Space-Design-Theatre-Alternative/dp/0952930900
- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Designing-Disabled-Selwyn-Goldsmith-Architect/dp/0750634421/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321526628&sr=1-1
- http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-09/21/open-london
