Turner Contemporary

A new, sheltered courtyard creates a public space facing south towards the town across the beach, serving as both the entrance plaza and terrace for the cafeteria. The ground floor is an extension of the public realm and also includes a reception area, gift shop, cloakroom, flexible events space and art handling facilities – all of which can operate independently from the climate-controlled exhibition spaces that occupy the upper floor. Large picture windows on the northern façade provide expansive views out to sea while also revealing the activities within and encouraging a sense of participation in the community.

Three simple galleries on the first floor are largely naturally lit, revealing daily and seasonal light changes. An even distribution of light is achieved thanks to the proportions of the rooms and through mixing north and south light to create an ambience that leaves no shadows. Clerestory windows set into the north-facing walls bring in direct natural light while glazed openings set into the angled ceilings filter and diffuse warmer southern light into the spaces below. The large galleries can be adapted to meet a range of curatorial requirements and are bookended by administrative and educational spaces.

An acid-etched glass rain screen captures and reflects the surrounding light conditions, giving the building an almost luminous appearance. The envelope, including the reinforced windows, is built to withstand the corrosive nature of the sea, high humidity levels, strong winds and large waves. Internally, the material palette is reduced to hard-wearing screed floors and dry lining to facilitate the hanging of changing exhibitions.