12 Dec 2008

Allied London Properties has just unveiled the first images of Will Alsop's dynamic addition to the public realm at its award-winning Spinningfields
development in Manchester - a newsagent, a florist and a juice bar. Conceived by Alsop as pieces of art in the urbanscape of the new development, they manifest Alsop's strong belief that art and architecture are inseparable. In the context of a very formal business district, the kiosks contrast strongly with their environment introducing life, colour and irony.



Located at the entrance of Hardman Square, to catch the early morning and evening pedestrian flows, the Newsagent is intended to strike the pedestrian by its simplicity. Designed as an oversized newspaper, the kiosk is like a surrealist object landed on Hardman Square. It is neither trying to fit into its environment nor contrast with it; its design aims to excite the curiosity of the pedestrian in the public realm.

Located along the main pedestrian flow, the Florist resembles a giant skirt tilting forwards and backwards to open or close. Highly visible both day and night, the Florist's fluorescent and reflective patches of colour contrasted against a matt black background, cannot fail to attract attention in the Square. Its elegant shape, resembling a pleated skirt, makes it an interesting and seductive object to look at open or closed.


Nestling between the trees of the lower side of Hardman Square, the Juice Bar acts as an oasis in the middle of the public space offering refreshments and cold food. Visible from the offices and the streets, a giant clock acts as canopy. The kiosk "Box" front wall is perforated in a fruit and juice art pattern which forms the opening for the order, sale and pick up functions. The rest of the kiosk, external seating and eating space are accessible at night.

Will Alsop and Bruce McLean were commissioned by Allied London in 2007 to give their views and suggestions on the public realm at Spinningfields business district. The three kiosks were recently submitted for planning approval.

Spinningfields Kiosks - Project Team:
Architect: Alsop
Client: Allied London Properties
Structural engineer: Atelier one
Project manager: Drivers Jonas



Spinningfields Kiosk designer : Will Alsop

Other examples of Manchester Architecture welcome: info@e-architect.co.uk

Spinningfields Aerial photograph:

photo © webbaviation

Spinningfields Office Manchester



World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

Manchester Buildings

Spinningfields Manchester : Halliwells

Manchester skyscraper : Beetham tower

SMC Alsop

Comments / images for the Spinningfields Kiosk Design page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk

Spinningfields Kiosk Manchester - page : adrian welch / isabelle lomholt