Architects: Glowfrog
2003
This is a building which forms the confines of a simple and elementary volume, a translucent filter that expresses the interior and expresses the exterior - expressing translucently, freedom and honesty - a means of demystifying the building and encouraging use. Each function is distinguished from one another by form and material, united together by the structure and envelope. The building is a succession of planes which are accentuated, suspended in space at variable heights and volumes where the functions are clearly differentiated. Celebrating and displaying the different activities and structure, providing a dramatic shop window - pulsating with light and colour.
Cultural progression· The ground piazza, the podium, the podium garden - Entertainment, Art, Exhibition and Culture zone.
· The office spaces, the office garden - Studios and offices relating to the Arts.
· The studio
The studio/office section consists of five levels and a roof garden, all centred on the main core. The north side of the section share the a formal meeting and conference pod with the south office areas sharing a series of suspended open and enclosed pod structure extensions and terraces, leading up to the garden area, taking advantage of the views and providing the user with a number of spatial options. Giving a flexible and dynamic environment, opening up the possibility of interaction. The garden again provides a division for the U2 recording studio. The recording studio comprises of a large rectilinear framed structure, pierced by the main core and supporting structure, containing the main recording studio pod, emphasised by projecting through the frame. The north has a guest meeting area and a viewing platform and the south has a more private lounge with adjoining garden area and terrace.
The podium and office elements are united together by the main core and the triangular crane like structure, which is shrouded with a sub frame to the south. This provides support for additional pods and spaces and a skeletal canvass for visual information, display and promotions. The shroud structure creates a transparent plinth which then emphasises the U2 tower element to create a dynamic landmark feature, by day and by night.