A significant extension and redevelopment of Chapter, a renowned contemporary arts centre in the Welsh capital.

We were appointed by the Cardiff Creative Partnership at Chapter following an international design competition. The four partners - Chapter Arts, University of Cardiff, Earthfall Dance & Theatr Iolo - aimed to transform the popular arts centre into Wales’ leading multidisciplinary centre for artistic presentation, production and participation. The centre hosted academics from the University of Cardiff and local businesses, establishing an integrated arts and creative industries hub.

We led an immersive brief development process, identifying the people, organisations and places that made up Cardiff's expanding arts scene.

Through a series of events we worked with local artists to illustrate Chapter's social ecology, its past and present contributions to the local community and wider city.

The new centre retains and refurbishes the majority of the converted school building, creating two additional cinema screens. The new buildings provide a gallery, performance space, dance studio and workshop.

The new buildings define the perimeter of the site to create a more dynamic streetscape. Four courtyards with distinct characters enrich the new arts centre, providing useful external spaces for production and participation.

International design competition. First Prize. Concept design completed.