Colyer-Fergusson Building Award, University of Kent Architecture, Property Images, Design News
Colyer-Fergusson Building, University of Kent
Canterbury Architecture, Kent, southeast England design by Tim Ronalds Architects, UK
18 + 17 Jun 2013
Colyer-Fergusson Building
University of Kent Building in Canterbury
Design: Tim Ronalds Architects
The Colyer-Fergusson Building
The University of Kent, Canterbury
The Colyer-Fergusson Building provides facilities for the University of Kent’s thriving extra-curricular music programme, which involves students, staff and members of the community in music making of all kinds. The building contains a concert hall large enough for a full orchestra, choir and audience of 350, a generous foyer, practice rooms, offices, and storage and technical spaces.
photo : Christian Richters
Our wish was to make a building with tangible material quality. The exterior of the building is constructed of a purpose-made pebble and flint block, which has warmth, character and texture. Windows and doors are finished in a bronze powder-coat. Internally, the main public spaces are lined in Douglas Fir, which provides the visual warmth conducive to music, and will age beautifully.
Our aspiration for the Colyer-Fergusson Hall has been to create the finest concert hall of its size in Kent. The walls and ceiling are completely lined in Douglas Fir Plywood. The acoustics can be modulated to suit music-making of all kinds with curtains that transform the interior into a soft, fabric-lined space, and retract behind the timber wall linings when not in use.
The design provides an unusual degree of flexibility for a hall with world-class acoustics. Two banks of retractable seating allow the space to be configured with raked seating in various arrangements or as a flat-floored space.
photo : Christian Richters
The University are delighted with the building, and are already developing a programme of public concerts. The first of these was performed by the Brodsky Quartet, and following the performance, the Brodsky’s leader Daniel Rowland wrote to say:
“Having performed at the opening concert of the Colyer-Fergusson Hall yesterday, I just want to tell you what a stunning, world class hall it is! I haven’t enjoyed playing anywhere as much for a long time. The feeling on stage is close to perfect, with that beautiful warm wood all around and the dimensions are just right: spacious but still intimate.
The acoustics are just fantastic: one can hear a pin drop and comfortably explore the extremes of dynamics. The University of Kent should be very proud of this hall, and I for one can’t wait to be back!“
Tim Ronalds Architects
photo : Christian Richters
Colyer-Fergusson Building, University of Kent image by Christian Richters, from RIBA
Colyer-Fergusson Building, University of Kent information from Tim Ronalds Architects
Location: University of Kent, England, CT2 7NB, UK
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