Date: 01 February 08
Author: Caroline Ednie, Web Editor
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Richard Murphy Architects recently won an invited competition to design the new Dunfermline Art Gallery and Museum.
The competition, which was co-ordinated by the RIAS & Fife Council, invited designs for an £8 million gallery and museum to be built on a site adjacent to Dunfermline Abbey and the world’s first Carnegie library in the town centre. The brief asked for a museum space telling the story of Dunfermline; gallery spaces for changing exhibitions; an education room; restaurant; and shop.
Richard Murphy Architects’ winning design is organised around a top lit street. Galleries are placed at the lower level, the main museum space at first floor level, and the restaurant, education suite and terrace at the top. The street runs alongside the Carnegie Library to which it and the museum space will be linked at a number of points. The “thick walled” architecture of the design contains a staircase, plant and display cabinets and will feature framed views of surrounding notable Dunfermline buildings.
An unusual aspect of the design is the entrance. A section of the Grade B listed former bank building will be demolished and rebuilt as a giant pivoting door returning the listed building to its former state when the building is closed.
In addition to Richard Murphy Architects, the competition short-list also featured Nord; Make; Gareth Hoskins; Malcolm Fraser; Page & Park; and Reiach & Hall Architects.
Project: Dunfermline Museum and Art Gallery
Architect: Richard Murphy Architects
Client: Fife Council
Location: Dunfermline, Fife
Cost: £8 million
Link: http://www.richardmurphyarchitects.com
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