An Education Building for the Hereford College of Arts

This project is primarily inspired by the Royal College of Arts in London. Placed relatively distant from Monnow Bridge and next to the newly-built road bridge, the new gateway to the town, it conserves the existing history-rich environment. The proposed three-storey building gradually increases in height and features a central covered walkway with functional areas distributed around it, serving as the 'heart' and facilitating the circulation between different parts of the building, the path along the river, and the town.

Aimed to construct a gateway building, a structure which would greet visitors en route to Monmouth, it also features a semicircular tower. The textile workshop is placed on the ground floor, enhancing the transportation of heavy machines and materials. While an open plan with folding partition walls is adopted in the studio to enhance its flexibility, an external staircase with seating area connects the first and second floor. Overlooking Monnow Bridge, it offers users with unobstructed views of the grade I listed building.

Like the studio, the study space in the library on the second floor utilises the use of an open plan and can be converted into a seminar room, offering students and guests an opportunity to give presentations and hold talks. A frame structure with exposed concrete beams, the gallery features large entrances and trees which grow through the roof. To foster interactions and collaborations between students, two rooftop gardens with seating areas are also designed. While rooflights are introduced in the studio, the windows are strategically arranged in a weaving pattern, paying homage to textile arts. It is of the project’s utmost importance to facilitate the new-built’s integration into the existing townscape and minimise the impacts it brings. In terms of the building’s materiality, the facade materials have been carefully chosen, balancing sustainability and the poetic use of materials. While timber cladding has been opted for the teaching high block as its natural appearance connects with the riverside site seamlessly, the exterior of the reception and gallery space features exposed reinforced concrete. Displaying material honesty, it creates an interesting contrast with the timberwork and a simple yet effective atmosphere suitable for displaying artwork.

In addition to the new education building, an artists' market is also incorporated into the proposal. The kiosks in the north-west provide local artists and students with a secure and sheltered space to showcase and profit from their talents, contributing to the development of an artistic Monmouth. While green spaces are a focus of the masterplan and allow the general public to perform a wide variety of social activities, a car park is not included in the project, encouraging active travel. Visitors can make use of the parking facilities nearby.