Once across the Gallery bridge immediately ahead is the Reception/ Ticket Desk. From this point the visitor is drawn along the foyer space and up onto the stepped ramp.This gently curving ramp runs along the internal face of the foyer linking all three galleries.This route is a slow, stimulating climb preparing the visitor for the experience of the art beyond. Moving through the galleries and back onto the ramp the circulation route itself is seen as part of the overall experience and it is intended to include works on the large wall between the ramp and the galleries. As with the abstract Turner paintings described in the introduction the naturally lit interior of Gallery 3 attempts to create a space without defined walls and edges. As the main white painted walls curve and disappear down they blend with the light limestone floor - ing. Against this backdrop the paintings are set on a 3.5m high wall pulled away from the internal surface. The play between the foreground and background is deliberate.The immediate fixed plane of the foreground is off set by the soaring dynamic surroundings. The visual comfort of the distant view and space is intended as a visual rest prior to viewing the next painting. Along the north wall of the gallery the gap between the picture wall and the internal wall creates a zone which both allows the wall to visually continue while at the same time allowing natural light to penetrate to the gallery spaces beneath.
MATERIALS
The reinforced concrete structure of the Gallery Building is to be clad totally in timber.The 40mm thick strips of untreated English Oak will follow the natural curves of the form accentuating the dynamic sweep.As the cladding is not forming the waterproof layer the external environment will be allowed to naturally weather the timber allowing it to develop a textured silver appearance. Examples of heavily weathered timber can already be found on the site giving a good indication as to the eventual colouring and texture. With the exception of the skylight the only other penetrations within the Gallery Building cladding are to accommodate the access bridges. Each of the three bridges will be treated differently according to their purpose.The main link into the foyer will be a steel structure with full height glazing allowing the visitor the visual experience of approaching over water. In contrast the link serving the delivery bay will be enclosed in a limestone panel to match the Pier Building.The third link, which is a fire escape, will be an open grill steel structure. In contrast to the Gallery Building the external appearance of the Pier Building is in keeping with the character of the pier.With the exception of the restaurant a limestone cladding panel will be used. Window penetrations will be limited to ensure that the overall appearance of solidity is not compromised. Set against this the full height glazing surrounding the restaurant affords dramatic views in all directions. Throughout, the interior finishes will be kept simple and functional. Within the Gallery Building white painted plasterboard wall surfaces and light coloured limestone flooring will enhance the re-occurring theme of the blurring of the edges.
ON SITE review 6: BEAUTY
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