urbanart project

Open Call for architectural designs by students & young professionals for an exciting, new and independent exhibition space in the heart of Johannesburg’s Braamfontein

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BRIEF

Open Call for architectural designs by students and young professionals for an exciting,

 new and independent exhibition space in the heart of Johannesburg’s CBD (Braamfontein).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

An independent exhibition and project space is in the making and it needs your input.

URBANART PROJECT is launching an open call for architectural designs for its new exhibition and project space called “ROOM”.

UrbanArt Project was established to initiate, develop and produce projects in the visual arts, broadcast media, film and TV. The company aims to be a platform for collaborative projects, encouraging crossovers in a variety of creative fields. We work with both emerging and established artists, filmmakers, designers, architects, publishers and musicians to bring shared projects to life.

The collective aims to be a part of an interrogative and constructive urban culture, which draws its references from its surrounding environment and by doing so, informs its visual sensibility and values.

We want to increase awareness of creative production through the projects we engage with and take full advantage of the ever-increasing number of platforms in the public domain.

The company provides training opportunities and has engendered approach to every aspect of its activities.

ROOM will function as an ongoing visual arts exhibitions and projects’ space , with monthly artistic programming .

With the above in mind, the following parameters are to be considered when conceptualizing the design:  

DESIGN BRIEF:

Functionality/Usage of space:  Space will be dedicated to monthly visual art exhibitions utilizing various mediums – ranging from video art, sculpture, photography, drawings & paintings of varying sizes, installation and performance.

The space will also be dedicated to independent artistic projects and workshops. As such what is envisioned is the need for: modular panels, which can be mobile/moveable, perhaps even suspended from the existing trusses. Sometimes the need for video works to be displayed may require the blocking of all natural light and perhaps the need for small booths.

The first visual access with the space will be from its glass door and window each measuring approximately: Door 2230 x 875mm & Window 1490 x 990mm, respectively. Both door and window face Juts Street.

The existing window facing the street will also be used to screen video works facing the street, as well as at times showcase works independent from exhibitions inside the space and sometimes as part of the existing exhibition but more as a means to enhance the existing exhibition.

Signage announcing the space, current exhibitions and all related contact information will be displayed on the glass surfaces. 

Space description:                         20 msqd,

Height = variable as roofing slopes.;  2 exit doors & 1 window.

Currently only 2 walls, anticipated is the design of a 3^rd surface to accommodate the display of more works.

Design Requirements:                  The design should consider the need for a small and almost invisible Office space, which in turn should contain a small desk, chair, shelving or any other storage solution,

Storage for works – 2 & 3 dimensional pieces with an average size of 1 msqd & 1.5qbicm, respectively.

Lighting rack;  

3^rd Wall , as well as fixed and mobile display surfaces;

Attached is the overall precinct’s architectural plan. Office no 4 is the designated space for re-design.

Constraints:                                     The space is dedicated to ongoing exhibitions, hence the choice in materiality of surfaces and lighting solutions are important!  The choice in materials needed should thus accommodate the ever-changing display in the space and by virtue of this the need for re-hanging of works.

Name of Space:                              ROOM run by URBANART PROJECT

Open Days                                       For prospective candidates to measure and view the space, chat with Curator, Maria Fidel Regueros: 17 – 20 October 2011, 10h00 – 16h00.

Deadline for submission of designs:    1 November 2011

You can email design proposals or any queries to Maria Fidel Regueros   urbanart@icon.co.za

Submission requirements (Content & format): 200 word Design Rationale;

A3 Presentation panels in PDF;

The design should include floor plan, all internal elevations, internal perspectives, street elevation and courtyard elevation;

Costing proposal.  

Timeframe for installation:                   1-15 December 2011.

Budget:                                                         R 10 000.00 ex Vat (NB: Itemized costing breakdown required as part of submission)

Summary of Brief:                                     In short the design should accommodate ongoing exhibitions in a number of mediums. Both display surfaces and lighting solutions should take into consideration the need for flexible modular systems and its multiuse.  The need for an office space and storage must be well thought-out.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed of outcome no later than 15 November, 2011.

Please note that interviews may take place between 15-20 November, 2011.

Final Outcome of Open Call will be announced on 20 November, 2011

Benefits for winner:                                  Visible design and designer’s name associated to the space (clearly marked name stating Space Designed by…)