MET (Mobile Event Tent)

These are linked by an internal demountable floor and when combined with access ramps produce a completely accessible space for everyone. The structure is enveloped in a translucent stretch tent fabric, creating a bespoke fully equipped adaptable space which can be an auditorium with tiered retractable seating for 100 people, or a venue twelve metres square. Cultural groups, across the city, worked with the artist to create decoration that wraps all the internal walls, while coordinating the overall colour scheme, resulting in an engaging interior that reflects Preston’s diverse cultural heritage. This is sustainably lit by daylight shining through the buttoned translucent outer skin. Specialist machinery is not required to build this design and no ground anchors are needed, making it ideal for urban environments, car parks, or school playgrounds. Finally, all the components are packed down into the containers and moved to the next site. The original concept grew out of a dialogue between the client and the design team in response to communities from deprived areas on the periphery of the city, who were not accessing free culture events in the city centre and consequently, missing out on the value that cultural activity contributes to a community. The answer was a high-quality mobile arts centre where an inclusive programme could be co- produced with the community which it would be serving. By taking a piece of cultural infrastructure on the road, it reaches out to communities far and wide, bridging gaps and breaking down barriers. This collaborative approach empowers individuals, fosters a sense of ownership, and will leave a lasting impact on the places it visits in the future 10-year programme.