Designing HOME

As HOME starts to take shape on site, lead architect Ernst ter Horst talks about how the design began…

We started working on HOME in 2011, when we submitted ideas as part of an international design competition. I’ve lived and worked in Manchester for more than 15 years, so I began by introducing my colleagues to my home city, getting out and exploring so they could get an understanding of the local culture and why Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company are so special. It was the beginning of a fascinating journey, which led to Mecanoo opening an office in Manchester from where I will oversee the entire building process. The project brief was eye-catching; a mix of cinema, theatre, restaurant, educational and gallery uses to be housed on asite next to a railway viaduct in the city centre. The building was to be of the highest quality and present itself as warm and welcoming – engaging with every age, ethnicity or background and be fully accessible. It would be an international breeding ground for art and culture and host international events, kick starting the regeneration of the First Street masterplan which also includes a new hotel, shops, cafes, restaurants and parking. It was clear that Cornerhouse, the Library Theatre Company, and Manchester City Councilall cared passionately about every aspect of the project, working alongside the developers on the masterplan for the site. We would need to somehow listen to all parties and come up with a clear response.

We were inspired by ideas of filling the building with life and the playful interaction with daylight. The building will need to have a strong presence to the new square, distinct from its taller commercial cousins. Yet it needs to be restrained, welcoming, fun, intriguing – a second home, a cultural home.

Our first response was to ensure there was a strong connection between inside and out. An open foyer and entrance will include large format glass panels, with sliding glass doors allowing café and bar facilities to spill out into the square. We also developed ideas of shows, plays and activities taking place in the square, or in the foyers. HOME also needs a strong identity. We developed a dramatic cantilevering prow to mark the front entrance to the building and shelter an external café terrace. The building’s triangular shape combined with soft, curved corners will set it apart from the adjacent developments, its elevations articulated to protect against solar gain. And how to create warmth, intimacy and a welcoming home? We thought to connect three levels via large, open foyers filled with light, allowing generous views out into the square. The idea is to make these spaces fun places to meet, relax and enjoy, including informal bar, restaurant and break-out spaces. One way of achieving this is by combining the main staircase and bar facilities into a dynamic sculptural feature, adding warmth and light into the heart of each foyer. From the open public areas, it will then be possible to retreat into the exciting theatres, cinemas or gallery and take inspiration from the views from the open roof terrace attached to the event space.

Design concept for stairway. Image: Mecanoo International

Design concept for stairway. Image: Mecanoo International

After all the hard work that’s been put in, it’s particularly exciting to see the scheme on site, under construction and moving forward so quickly. In the next 18 months we will see the building become a reality and develop into the fantastic space we all want it to be. There is much still to be done to make sure the project delivers, however it all seems tantalisingly close now. We can’t wait. The overall design for HOME is led by Mecanoo, an internationally recognised architectural practice based in the Netherlands. Wates Construction lead the design team, which also includes Buro Happold EngineersConcrete AmsterdamSpace Group and Charcoalblue.