Patchwork 3 - Comparison of Arkwright and Newton

Through the evolution of the architecture, cities have become richly diverse in the different styles of architecture on show. Even when buildings are grouped together, an example of that being Arkwright and Newton, it does not mean that the styles of these buildings have to be similar.

The Arkwright building is of a Gothic Revival style, which was very common in Nottingham during the time it was built in the late 19^th century (constructed 1877-1881). At this time, the building was coordinated with its surroundings, however today the evolution of modern architectural styles surrounding it has enhanced its historical context (Bagnall&Humphries, 2013). This can be directly linked with that of the Newton building; it too was built in a time when its style of Art Deco was popular in England and Nottingham itself (early-mid 19^th century). The Newton ‘Tower’ has been a standout landmark in Nottingham ever since it’s construction, still holding strong to its historical value in its growing environment (Bagnall&Humphries, 2013). These buildings used to be two neighbouring structures with no connection, yet now after a multimillion pound refurbishment they sit next to each other hand-in-hand, working together yet separately at the same time. The Arkwright building provides a sense of age and wisdom, whereas the Newton building provides a sense of a futuristic idea in way a building should be designed. In the context of the city today, these buildings produce a partnership which no other can match; the contrast between these buildings and their styles work together, making the unique connection between them stronger.

“The relationship between the object and the intervening spaces is not formal: it is always rooted in the context of a particular setting.” Dalibor Vesley (in Brooker and Stone, 2007, p. 57).

The above quotation defines that a buildings style is not directly related to that of the spaces created by it. The intervening space of the building is connected to what the context and function of the building is. These statements can be associated with that of the Newton and Arkwright buildings. As mentioned previously the two building themselves have their own dissimilar styles; Newton’s Art Deco and Arkwright’s Gothic Revival. However, since The Hopkins Architect renovation in 2010, the two central and linking spaces within and between each building has been given new life through modernisation and practicality for the working staff and students within. The renovation to these two buildings has brought the most of the original designs (photographs to be added); the spaces have had extensive work done to them, however the resulting spaces are simple (simple in terms of how comfort and practicality of the students/staff has been achieved although the space itself is very open). Physically linking these two monumental buildings together is a minimalistic corridor and courtyard; a glazed wall spanning the length of the corridor provides vast amounts of natural light in, making it seem larger and providing a panoramic view of Arkwright itself.

“The project secured the future of both historically significant Grade II* listed buildings, providing extensive renovation and modernisation to their dated, inefficient and incoherent spaces. It then utilised the residual space between the two buildings.” (HopkinsArchitects, 2009)

These building and their respected spaces are used and/or passed on a daily basis; they are both in their own right very exceptionally beautiful buildings within the landscape of Nottingham. From the outside, they both hold their own (styles) within a multi-contextual setting; however the refurbished interior provides a warm, comforting environment which caters for the social and academic aspects of university life.

Bibliography

Bagnall&Humphries, 2013. Arkwright, Patchwork One. Shaun Bagnall & Kelly Humphries, 2013.

Bagnall&Humphries, 2013. Newton, Patchwork Two. Shaun Bagnall & Kelly Humphries, 2013.

Brooker and Stone, 2007. Form and Structure [eBook]. Switzerland: AVA. Available via: Safari Books Online [18^th January 2014]

Hopkins Architects, 2009. Nottingham Trent University: Newton and Arkwright Buildings. Hopkins Architects. Available at: http://www.hopkins.co.uk/projects/2/113/ [18^th January 2014]