Great North Museum

The project sits within Farrell's cultural quarter masterplan occupying a prominent site on the Great North Road. The brief was for the building to address its setting in relation to the city, maximise exhibition space with reinterpretation of the varied collection by Casson Mann.

The redesigned galleries of the Grade II* listed building, expose collections and areas previously hidden. A new central north/south axial route through the galleries and new extension form a vista between the university and city beyond. Cross views via side galleries to the outside provide orientation and contrast.

The extension building compliments and contrasts the existing Hancock Museum in form and use; they are separated visually and physically by a double height glazed ‘galleria’ allowing their identities and forms to read strongly whilst providing appropriate scale against adjacent buildings and providing new east/west entrance points.

Contextually the extension derives its form, size and elemental composition from the Hancock building; strong horizontal datums and vertical rhythms transfer from the existing building across to the new building. Contrast is achieved through modern materials and detailing, and the bold use of accent colours.