Development in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland

Howden Arts Centre, Livingston, West Lothian 2010 Nicoll Russell Studios Photos © Keith Hunter Photography Howden Park Centre - Project Description Situated largely within mature parkland, Howden Park Centre originally evolved in piecemeal fashion from a converted coach house into a popular but inherently limited arts centre. Nicoll Russell Studios were commissioned to redevelop the building as increasingly intensive use by professional and community groups highlighted the need for the building to expand considerably and resolve a range of issues if future needs were to be met in a fit for purpose environment. The brief required a new 300 seat auditorium; dressing room accommodation; offices for several organisations; "black box" rehearsal space; dance, multi-purpose and art studios; and improved catering operations. The redeveloped building had to re-engage with both its setting and the local community. The design has been shaped to give the centre a greater presence within its landscape setting. A core of existing refurbished accommodation has been augmented with a major new extension. The auditorium roof is raised to announce its presence from afar and provides a "centre of gravity" to the assembly of new and existing forms. A social heart (foyer, bistro and bar) is revealed through glazing facing captured landscape to the east, with the curved timber-clad auditorium anchoring the "flow" of this space and signalling the theatre within. The Youth Theatre has its own "snug" area within the foyer, designed in conjunction with both an artist and the members themselves, and exemplifying the collaborative, community focussed approach to the entire project. Nicoll Russell Studios More information online soon