Celebrating the art of drawing – and teaching – the Arts University Bournemouth has just launched its brand new drawing studio, the first of its kind to be built in the UK in 100 years.
The striking blue structure features the playful, organic-shaped volumes that form the signature of its creator; AUB alumnus and renowned architect and academic Sir Peter Cook and his office CRAB (Cook Robotham Architectural Bureau).
The structure, purpose-built for the art school, will be accessible to students from all courses across the University. Its clean white and generous interior is flexible enough to be able to accommodate work by several different disciplines - from costume design, to architecture, animation and etching.
Special attention was given to the room's openings and the direction of natural sunlight. A large north-facing opening on the roof brings in the type of light that is traditionally optimum for drawing. At the same time, a rear clerestory window tops up with softer light from the back.
'As an alumnus of AUB, I am deeply honoured that this University, where I learnt my craft, is now home to my first building in the UK,' says Cook. 'The studio represents a fundamental recognition of the importance of drawing for all creative subjects. When it came to the design of the studio I wanted to ensure I created a space which all students, from all disciplines – be it fashion design, graphic design, fine art, or architecture like me – could make use of and feel inspired in.'
Highlighting the project's importance, Dame Zaha Hadid is set to attend the official opening today. This inauguration also marks Sir Peter Cook's very first built work in the UK.
Light was one of the key considerations when designing the organic-shaped, low, blue structure
A large opening on the roof brings in the much needed northern light that is ideal for drawing
At the same time, a second, clerestory window towards the rear of the structure helps with some softer light from the back
INFORMATION
For more information visit the CRAB website
-
‘Just beneath the surface there’s another world’: How David Lynch used hair and make-up to create his singular universeFrom Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive to Twin Peaks, David Lynch used hair and make-up in his films as a narrative device, writes Laura Havlin
-
Burns Night 2025: where to celebrate in LondonIt is time to raise a wee dram to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns on Burns Night (25 January). Here is our pick of places to enjoy an evening of generous speechmaking, toasting, and drinking around London
-
Tag Heuer unveils sporty new collections at LVMH Watch Week 2025Tag Heuer has announced a series of new watches at LVMH Watch Week, including Formula 1 and Carrera editions
-
This revamped east London terraced house is a music lover’s dreamAn east London terraced house gets a boost of personality and sustainability thanks to Archmongers, whose transformation makes room for the owners’ creativity and extensive record collection
-
This elegant infill project slots beautifully into the London streetscapeIn this infill project, a row of garages in Blackheath, south-east London, has been replaced by a contemporary family home by local practice Mailen Design
-
Don’t Move, Improve 2025: the 14 London homes adding design oomph to the everydayThe shortlist for Don’t Move, Improve 2025 has been announced, revealing 14 residential projects across London that add value and pizazz to their inhabitants’ daily lives
-
Space House: explore the brutalist London landmark’s new chapterSpace House, a landmark of brutalist architecture by Richard Seifert & Partners in London’s Covent Garden, is back following a 21st-century redesign by Squire & Partners and developer Seaforth Land
-
Fire-damaged Walworth Town Hall shows off majestic transformationWalworth Town Hall gets a much-needed reimagining by Feix & Merlin, who transformed the heritage building into a contemporary workspace and a hub of its local community in south London
-
Hanif Kara on building materials, the transition from old to new, and a healthy dose of realismHanif Kara, co-founder of structural engineering practice AKT II, discusses building materials and the future of sustainability
-
Year in review: the top 12 houses of 2024, picked by architecture director Ellie StathakiThe top 12 houses of 2024 comprise our finest and most read residential posts of the year, compiled by Wallpaper* architecture & environment director Ellie Stathaki
-
A brutalist garden revived: the case of the Mountbatten House grounds by Studio Knight StokoeTour a brutalist garden redesign by Studio Knight Stokoe at Mountbatten House, a revived classic in Basingstoke, UK
