Swansea
Print Workshop @
Kings
Lane Warehouse
now viewing: Kings Lane Warehouse / The New Building / Client Brief
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Client Brief
ASPIRATIONS
In the client’s brief, the new Swansea Print Workshop premises was
envisioned as a public access building housing a range of events and
full educational programme. The expansion of technical facilities and
teaching and processing areas will enable them to realise this
endeavour. The new accommodation will allow SPW to run activities and
courses concurrently that can only be run consecutively in the present
building. A new premises will enable SPW to meet their growing demand
and increase their revenue to the point where they can become
increasingly self sufficient.
Swansea Print Workshop aspires to be the centre for contemporary printmaking in Wales. With a dedicated building it would act as a focus and catalyst for all those involved in the advocacy of printmaking, including schools, colleges, curators, artists groups, collectors and voluntary organisations.
The new building would provide first-class printmaking facilities to meet the needs of the studio users and encourage the very best artists to come and work in Wales, which would support an international series of events. The inclusion of two artist in residence studios would encourage the development of this programme.
The provision of artist studios for rent would provide support for emerging artists and a nucleus of artists to provide the energy to support a wide range of activities. A dedicated gallery to promote and sell prints would generate income as well as contributing to the stature and financial well being of artists and printmakers in Wales.
As stated in the brief, an enhanced facility will:
- increase SPW’s profile in the community
- increase workshop membership
- increase enrolment in classes and production in workshops
- allow SPW to conduct national and international events
- allow SPW to provide rental studios for emerging artists
- increase the sale of artworks produced by SPW
Sarah Wigglesworth Architects were appointed to conduct this feasibility study because of their aspiration to develop an innovative design incorporating ideals of sustainable building. This approach was appealing to the client for economic as well as environmental reasons. There was a desire to match the ethos of SWA and SPW in housing an ecological print workshop which demonstrates sensitive practice in printmaking in a building which demonstrates the sensitive practice of architecture.
THE KINGS LANE WAREHOUSE
In the client’s brief, SPW noted that the character of the existing
building matched well with the character of the organisation; that the
ethos behind salvaging the warehouse was shared by both client and
architect; and that a brief could be adapted to fit the existing
structure. In addition, there was a clear desire to retain the character
of the existing facades, so a decision was made to keep all major
interventions internal. In turn, it was noted that any renovation should
maintain and enhance the building’s integrity.
OUTLINE BRIEF
Specialist Accommodation: The Print Workshop
For Swansea Print Workshop to succeed in providing first rate, sustainable facilities, it requires an efficient print room plan, one which understands and accommodates the range of printmaking processes and techniques used in the workshop.
An efficient print room layout has a significant positive effect on practice, health and safety, as well as the success or failure of prints.
The design of the print floor was projected on the basis of presses already in SPW as part of the original brief. The process of designing the floor was an area of particular interest to the membership during the progress of the feasibility study. Research visits to other print workshops, continued and concentrated dialogue with the architects plus the constraints of the building, rigorous health and safety issues, concerns for disabled access and not least, quality of print that could be achieved, are all elements that have influenced crucial decisions regarding the selection of equipment. At the end of the process, SPW were able to identify an ideal profile to meet the projected needs of the new facility:
- to provide ‘state of the art’ precision presses designed to give consistent and accurate results will give artists increased economic potential for editioning as well as incorporating the very best aspects of health and safety
- to optimise the opportunities to work in large formats in all processes thereby increasing the creative and economic potential for artists. Processing equipment has been brought in line to cater for larger format screens, blocks and plates.
- to continue to make the connection with the prestigious history of printmaking by selective use of antique presses in an educational context.
Supporting Accommodation
The following is a summary of the supporting accommodation listed in the client brief and upon which the schedule of accommodation was based:
Gallery
- general and specialised exhibition facilities for fine art prints and occasional cross media exhibitions requires strict light and climate control for conservation purposes requires security
Multipurpose Studio
- large studio space used for life drawing, group class activities, lectures,seminars, and public events requires room for two rows of easels placed around a central model; or, seating for 50 in rows
- must not be overlooked
- requires controlled natural light with blackout (high level windows preferred)
- requires storage for easels, stools, chairs, demountable tables, projection and IT equipment
- must be close to basic kitchen area or teapoint
Artist Studios (6)
- small independent units available for rent
- require independent metering and water supply
- require secure 24/7 access
- Residential Studios (2)
- studios offered to artists on exchange visits or residencies
- basic living accommodation with a private studio area to work in
- studios detachable from residences preferable
Archive
- storage facility for archived work, reference works, journals, and publications
- requires a clean, non print area with security
- requires secure access for members and teaching staff
Shop & Reception
- area to direct visitors, take bookings, handle the sale of artworks and small printmaking materials
- must be adjacent to the gallery
Administration Offices
Private Car Park / Courtyard