16 April 2011 marks the opening of the new Margate home for the Turner Contemporary art gallery.
The seafront building, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, provides a light-inspired space for the exhibition of works from JMW Turner and other internationally-renowned artists.
Arup has been working with David Chipperfield Architects on the project since 2006, providing building services, consultancy and design services for daylighting, maritime engineering, façade engineering, security and sustainability.
This is Arup’s first major public project with David Chipperfield to be completed in the UK. Other collaborations include The Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield (opening this May), the Figge Art Museum, Davenport, USA (completed 2006) and the Des Moines Public Library, Des Moines, USA (2007).
Community involvement
The design for Turner Contemporary was developed with extensive involvement of local residents – more than 8,000 people were engaged in the consultation process. The gallery is a two-storey building with an internal area of 2,730m2, and is composed of six laminated and etched glass-clad prisms.
“It is clear from much of his work that JMW Turner was fascinated with light, in fact more than 100 of his paintings were inspired by the Kent coast. As a result, daylight is central to the design of the Turner Contemporary gallerys, so every visit will be different.”
– Nigel Tonks, Arup’s project director
Challenging site
The Arup team considered the challenges posed by the site’s exposed coastal location, including exposure to sea spray, waves overtopping the Margate seafront and potential for sea water flooding.
Arup’s maritime team carried out physical wave testing to understand the forces the building would experience, and to design and prescribe appropriate glazing for the façade.
As a result, Turner Contemporary’s façade openings are safely up at roof level or set to face away from the sea. The glass façade has large reinforced windows to take advantage of the magnificent views.
Turner Contemporary has achieved a BREEAM ‘Bespoke Very Good’ rating – a first for a new gallery in the UK.
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