Above artworks: ‘Square’, by Stephen Melton | Image Credit: Simon Steven
SPACER IS PLANNING TO BUILD AN AWARD WINNING, SUSTAINABLE, INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIO THAT EMBODIES CREATIVE PRACTICE
Having just purchased another property on their existing site in Ramsgate (UK), in collaboration with architects del Renzio & del Renzio, SPACER is excited to be finally embarking on a project to build a new studio, which has been an ambition of theirs for over 10 years.
The interdisciplinary team are currently developing the concept design for a Pre-Planning application to the Local Authority prior to formal submission. It will propose 800sqm of space devoted to creativity, fine art production and education which in turn will create new jobs and education opportunities. Interdisciplinary spaces will be installed, from sculpture and fabrication facilities, digital technologies to a community laboratory.
“It’s been a dream of ours to be able to work in an arts studio that is as ecologically sustainable as possible, with the added ability to give something back to the local community. We are so excited that we can now expand. We are really enjoying working with Ramsgate based architects del Renzio & del Renzio who are leading on the design. Their expertise in Environmental Design, thoughtful approach to architecture, knowledge of the art world and its corresponding physical spaces is proving to be invaluable.”
Sarah Craske (Director)
“Traditional fine art production processes like bronze casting, historically, haven’t been environmentally conscious. It is our aim to ensure that these creative practices and knowledges are secured in the twenty first century, through ecologically sustainable technologies.
Our new facility will become a hub of innovation; a meeting place for leading specialists to exchange knowledge and apply it to others’ research. This will lay the foundations for exciting and unexpected scenarios that often develop new understandings that are mutually beneficial. We intend to create a space that enables truly constructive interdisciplinary interaction, that merges ancient technologies with the most current, explores new applications for new materials, and develops novel processes to aid production and create new markets.”
Stephen Melton (Director)
“We are delighted to be engaged in the development of the new SPACER studio. Working in collaboration with their team and stakeholders affords our practice the rare opportunity to innovate and express our interests in the arts, architecture and environmental design. We value being local and realise the impact such a project will have on its community in providing quality space for arts education, craft, creative research and display space for contemporary artistic endeavours. We envisage the new building to employ sustainable methods of construction, combining natural day lighting and ventilation with integrated low energy technologies. We are investigating techniques for recapturing waste heat generated by the foundry and utilising it to heat the building.”
Pier-Luigi del Renzio (Partner)