Rich Mix - Reimagining
Shoreditch, London
This project is about re-imagining the role that Rich Mix plays as the connective tissue between diverse communities and cultures. By unlocking the spatial and economic potential of the whole site, a sociable building with a porous ground floor can emerge; for informal performance and debate, eating, drinking and micro-retail.
Unlocking the building's whole potential
1/2Stairs and landings that are inviting, open and theatrical to increase the sense of occasion and encounter
The social spaces are crucial in encouraging encounter amongst creatives at different career stages - a mentee rubs shoulders with a successful artist or producer
The new lobby faces onto Redchurch Street which is highly tuned for flexibility, while achieving intimacy and generosity
A neighbourhood connector and porous ground floor
1/2An eventful meander and flow of people
Free to access, spaces of encounter
A sociable ground floor
- Rich Mix - Reimagining, Shoreditch, London, 2018–2019
- Project: Re-imagining of a community arts centre
- Client: Rich Mix
Rich Mix is a place of many stories - bold, challenging and varied. In the heart of multicultural Tower Hamlets and on the edge of the City of London, Rich Mix spans the hyper-local, city-wide and truly global. Operating a diverse Arts programme with minimal public subsidy, it is an exemplar in its sector. It is all these things in spite of its building.
This project is about re-imagining the role that Rich Mix plays as the connective tissue between diverse communities and cultures. By unlocking the spatial and economic potential of the whole site, a sociable building with a porous ground floor can emerge; for informal performance and debate, eating, drinking and micro-retail.
A diverse new ecosystem of innovative businesses, artists and local people looking for memorable encounters and unusual opportunities. A place where every visitor feels part of a creative process. The new Rich Mix will have direct effect on the social fabric of the local community and the well-being of its individuals and families.
Client Design Team: Barker Langham, Buro Four, Architecture 00, Form Project Management
Critical Friend: Katy Marks, Citizens Design Bureau
A rich tapestry of spaces, with the ability for programmes to expand and contract, to cater for a diverse set of users, ensure the greatest social impact and benefit to all users and communities
Visibility across the uses & programmes aids a sense of possibility
The void between the cinema and workspaces, opened up to provide sociable spill-out workspace
Dedicated Learning and Participation space with views onto the street and down into the stage
The dedicated L+P space gives a fixed presence for learning within Rich Mix; a constant base from which to expand out to the other venues
