mecanoo completes HOME cultural center with iridescent façade in manchester

mecanoo completes HOME cultural center with iridescent façade in manchester
all photos courtesy of mecanoo

dutch practice mecanoo has recently completed their design for the HOME center for international contemporary art, theatre and film in the heart of manchester. forming the cultural heart of the sprawling UK city, the building hopes to act as a catalyst for the surrounding area and will host artistic projects, productions and large scale cultural events. situated on a triangular sight, which has inherently determined the floorplan, the exterior façade and corner features a curved form- a characteristic in mecanoo’s designs- whilst the glazing is clad in irregularly spaced fins- which change color depending on the weather. acting as an overhang, the building becomes a canopy for the café bar and public square that can be used for outdoor events.

box office area

wanting the interiors to reflect an ‘urban living room’, the layout instills a sense of intimacy where the material palette used, gives the scheme a raw and refined atmosphere- underling the center’s purpose as a home for the arts and culture. the triangular floorplan includes a gallery, the restaurant and one of the five cinemas. in addition, the main theatre has been divided into three levels with the seating capacity of 500 people. residing near a railway, sound insulation was a key element during the construction to enable shows at the cinema and theatre to play simultaneously.

the building is located on a triangular site in between the railway arches and a new public square

visitors can enjoy a pre-theatre meal or a glass of wine after work at the restaurant

the wide central stairwell at the heart acts as an informal social space, connecting the different uses of the venue

offering food and drinks at a number of locations, the different parts of the building can easily be used

the restaurant on the first floor is an essential part of the integrated art and culture concept

the main theatre on the first floor contains 500 colorful seats across three levels

the smaller 150-seat flexible studio theatre space is located on the second floor

the main stage

depending on the weather, the color of its iridescent facade changes from black to blue to green

the striking exterior acts like beacon, the public spaces and social areas within are designed to be inviting to all