SCALA Civic Building of the Year Competition, 2004
Runner up
Newcastle City Council: Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum is sited in a Grade II Listed warehouse and office building built in 1899.
The objectives of the development were to make the building more comprehensible and the collection more accessible. Throughout the scheme accessibility issues have been addressed in liaison with specialist consultants, ensuring that all areas of the building are accessible to the widest possible range of users.
The improvements have been designed in close consultation with English Heritage to respect the original features and architectural character of the building.
A new glazed entrance more effectively signals the museum to the City and gives visitors an awareness of the interior as they approach the building. Materials for the entrance were selected to provide a clearly defined contrast with the original Victorian building. The entrance leads into a new central atrium with new staircases and scenic lift which now forms the focal point of public circulation.
The Great Hall, situated on the top floor, features impressive steel arches, oak wall panelling and distinctive Art Deco style lanterns. The refurbishment has concentrated on restoration of these original features and upgrading the facilities to provide a multi functional space for conferences, educational events and exhibitions.
Architect: City Design, Peter Wesolowski, John Copley
Quantity Surveyor: City Design, Malcolm Aitchison
Structural Engineer:City Design, John Harrison
Mechanical Engineer: City Design, David Blakey
Electrical Engineer:City Design, David Walton
Main Contractors: Phase 1a Bowey Construction Ltd, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Phase 1b M J Gleeson Group PLC, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Phase 2 Stephen Easten Ltd, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
