Set in a distant location by the ocean, this competition design provides a summary of ARTEC´s recent preoccupations. From concept to detail, this is an assembly of box-like forms whose character is determined by their function and construction. Along the front façade, a series if recessions reduce the floor span and locate window and door openings to the two lower floors. Along the back wall, a parallel band locates the main stairs and the vertical services. The basement and ground floors are in concrete: element in nature, they provide an undercroft to the main galleries above, which are steel-framed and continuously clad. Like a Russian doll, the gallery for temporary exhibitions sits within the outer walls of the permanent collection. The north-facing roof lights admit an even light in the upper gallery whilst, in the gallery below, direct sunlight illuminates the upper section of the surrounding walls.

(Peter Allison)

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