Visit To The New Build- Ailsa Lishman.

I also went along with Charlotte to the visit the new build. I know that everyone is pretty unsure what to expect from the new build in terms of will there be enough space? Is it going to be a nicer space to work in? Well I think from seeing the build yesterday, that the answer is yes. From looking at the plans it's hard to grasp just how big/spacious the new build is, so to get to have a look round was a great help!

http://www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/newspaces/newbuilding.php - check out the design plans here!

When inside the building was very big, very spacious and felt very airy, I can imagine that when it's finished it's going to be an amazing space to be able to work in.

So I think i'll try and keep this post to the key points I found out;

- a rail will be running round many parts of the new build (500m) will be available for people to hang artwork from.

- there is a gallery and cafe area at the front of the building- the cafe space will contain several types of seating; sofas, 'wagamama's' style benches and circular metal chairs.

- seating will also be on other levels looking out onto the atrium, spaces that everyone can work in, to give a more communal feel. 

example here, looking out over the rail;

- there are two lanterns at the top of the building which cascade light all the way through the building to the ground floor, creating a really bright and airy space. 

one shown here;

- one of my favourite parts is the proposed roof garden, which will surrounded the two lanterns sticking up from the top of the building. Plans for planters, astro turf and gravel round the outside (so we don't get too close to the edge!)

it's going to have amazing views out onto the city;

- right next to the roof garden is another gallery space, also a lecture area, this space is flexible and is separated by 7x4 metre floor to ceiling doors, so it can be two different spaces, or one large expanse. 

glass doors will lead out onto the roof garden;

- also potential for artwork to be put up into the toilets, swish black tiled cubicles, with a blank wall, which will be available for decoration by students. 

apologies for the slight blur, the tiles were too shiny and were reflecting everywhere!- some have already been refurbished in the Chatham building.

I will post all the photos onto the facebook page for you all to take a closer look at!