The building provides a light-inspired space for the exhibition of works from JMW Turner and other internationally-renowned artists. The design for Turner Contemporary was developed with extensive involvement of local residents. The gallery is a two-storey building with an internal area of 2,730 square metres, and is composed of six laminated and etched glass-clad prisms.
Arup’s maritime team carried out physical wave testing to understand the forces the building would experience, and to design and prescribe appropriate glazing for the façade. With this technology, Turner Contemporary’s façade openings are safely up at roof level or set to face away from the sea. The glass façade has large reinforced windows to take advantage of the panoramic views.
Turner Contemporary has achieved a BREEAM ‘Bespoke Very Good’ rating – a first for a new gallery in the UK.
This is Arup’s first major public project with David Chipperfield to be completed in the UK. Other collaborations include The Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield (opening in May 2011), the Figge Art Museum, Davenport, USA (completed 2006) and the Des Moines Public Library, Des Moines, USA (2007).
