Designing New Life into Old

Vincent Woods of Benchmark Communications, organisers of Design North East, assesses Mosedale Gillatt Architects’ work of breathing new life into old buildings and designing new elements for a modern way of life.

Tim Mosedale and his business partner, Jenny Gillatt, were keen to emphasise that in today’s architectural world, a complete design solution is often called for.

"We see ourselves primarily as a design based practice" explains Jenny.

"The design process should evolve from the first conceptual sketches of the building in its surroundings, right down to the smallest interior detail."

Their portfolio of work includes a range of new build projects, although they have significant experience in the re-designing of older buildings for new functions. In particular Mosedale Gillatt’s work, in the flourishing Pink Lane site in the heart of Newcastle, has incorporated working and living space in the form of ‘Telecottages’ for tenants wishing to be at the heart of the city in two capacities: as business people and urban socialites.

"The nature of this project meant that client and user consultation was a high priority throughout the course of the scheme," explained Tim.

"Our aim is to describe the design process in ways which can be easily understood, thereby promoting solutions which have been arrived at by agreement, negotiation and understanding."

I asked Tim if he felt new or modern buildings were good for the region’s cities.

"Often people’s perception of a ‘modern’ building is an image of a tower block built during the last 30 years. But you should not confuse the term ‘modernism’ with contemporary design (of the present time)".

I mentioned that Waldemar Januszczak on Channel 4’s Building of the year said this week that ‘Good architecture can make a city, bad architecture can ruin it’.

"I totally agree with that statement and the exciting contemporary structures now appearing in our cities illustrate that good quality design can really promote confidence in a city."

Having only started five years ago they now have a variety of exciting projects. These range from luxury loft apartments for Akenside Developments to various community facilities. Through their re-development work in Grainger Town, Mosedale Gillatt Architects ‘fresh, creative approach’ has won them early recognition. Working with Steve Bailey of Octo Design, and supported by Design Works, they were commissioned to construct a ‘Sitooterie’ for English Heritage’s flagship project at Belsay Hall, rubbing shoulders with some of the top UK architects and designers such as Sir Norman Foster. The Sitooteries have now been promoted all around the world from New York to Milan.

Mosedale Gillatt are currently working on projects as far-a-field as Swaziland in Africa which shows how quickly they have acquired and developed a unique identity as an architectural practice. It promises much, not just for their company, but also for the innovative reputation of the region.

Mosedale Gillatt Architects Tel: 0191 495 2082

Email:

‘Sitooterie’ - Scottish word for a place to sit and contemplate.

Pink Lane was Red

In medieval times the land between Pink Lane and Westgate Road was the property of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hospital. In 1700 Pink Lane became the access road along the back garden of a wealthy land owner on Westgate Road later becoming part of the large Angus Coachworks in the 1800s. Pink Lane had its heyday in the fifties as the centre for Turners’ chemist and photography business famous for its camera shop and huge catalogue of documentary and industrial films. The site then degenerated and became notorious as Newcastle's red light district which some might say was its biggest heyday. The whole site is now being re-developed by Project North East with assistance from the Grainger Town initiative, housing IT, new media, businesses and an urban televillage.

Career Steps

The city of Newcastle Upon Tyne is one of the most visually exciting and challenging of all the great industrial cities of the North. The historical legacy, which dates back to Roman times, combined with the rise and subsequent fall of heavy industry has created a rich and varied urban environment with many different styles of architecture.

For people who are thinking of a career in architecture there are a number of courses offered by the University of Newcastle and the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. Potential students must have a creative mind and a lot of time as it takes seven years to become a fully trained architect! A good set of A Levels in maths and the sciences is also an advantage The University of Newcastle course is fully accredited by RIBA and graduation will lead to qualification as a registered architect.

Contacts:

• BA(Hons) in Architectural Studies
  University of Newcastle
  (0191) 2226103
• BSc(Hons) in Architectural Design and Management,
• BEng(hons) in Architectural Environment Design.
  University of Northumbria at Newcastle,
  (0191) 2273528

Top of Page

This document is reproduced with he kind permission of The Journal and Benchmark Communications.