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Vision: ’A blend of boldness
and imagination’ |
GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE has picked the controversial architect, Will Alsop, to build an ambitious new arts complex on its campus in New Cross, London.
The distinguished panel of judges included the architect Lord Rogers, and the sculptor and ex-Goldsmiths student, Antony Gormley. Ben Pimlott, the historian and Warden of Goldsmiths, said: “It was a very hard choice to make from a range of brilliant presentations each approaching the problem from a different angle. In the end the panel went for Alsop’s unique blend of boldness and imagination, together with his understanding of the local context.”
Lord Rogers spoke of the difficult choice: “Overall there was a very high standard of presentation. We’ve had a long, in-depth analysis to get to the result, but it was, in the end, a unanimous decision. Will Alsop has both the flair and professional ability to not only execute the building but also create a small urban renaissance.” |
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Alsop: creative concept visual for the winning bid |
Goldsmiths’ reputation as a creative hothouse the college has fostered generations of leading artists and designers including Bridget Riley, Damien Hirst, Mark Wallinger, Mary Quant and Sam Taylor-Wood encouraged bold, distinctive responses. Antony Gormley said: “We saw some incredibly intellectual, brilliant and innovative ideas, and I think we’ve made a gutsy choice now Goldsmiths has to live up to its reputation as an agenda setter.”
The arts complex will house a major expansion in student numbers, providing facilities for the next generation of art students and teachers. At the same time the college aims to provide a centre for global excellence, and an interface with a community from which it draws inspiration. “We want a building that will draw the community in, not put them off.” says Ben Pimlott.
The new buildings will occupy 11,000sqm of land on the corner of New Cross Road and St. James’, part of the existing New Cross campus. The first building will house the new Centre for Cognition, Computation and Culture, with 230 students.
The first building is scheduled for completion in September 2003. |
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