THE PECKHAM YOUTH ARTS CENTRE
by Emma Rawlings
The Peckham Youth Arts Centre is a multi-functional civic space designed to provide teaching, learning and exhibition opportunities for aspiring young artists in the Peckham area. The site is crossed by a rail bridge, and the architectural forms encapsulate and echo the arched form. Below are samples of the design proposal responding to the site characteristics. The primary structure comprises glulam arches with a wave form CLT roof. A bookshop and cafe fronting Blenheim Grove is linked to the main ‘Viaduct Building’ via three railway arches designed to incorporate flexible teaching and amenity spaces. The Viaduct Building, sited between two railway bridges, evokes the form of a viaduct with its visible arched structure. It provides the main exhibition space on the top floor, seeking to maximise exposure and visual interest from rail passengers on the platform and trains. The structure is isolated from sound and vibration from passing trains and the existing arch structure is fully tanked. The proposals are environmentally sustainable incorporating natural ventilation, solar shading PV glass and rainwater harvesting.
