CRAB Studio the practice of Professor Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham has designed a state of the art drawing studio for Arts University Bournemouth.
The drawing studio, the first to be built in the UK for 100 years, was officially opened on the 3 March by architect Dame Zaha Hadid. Not only is it the first purpose-built drawing studio to be constructed at an art school for more than a century, it is also Sir Peter’s first building to be built in the UK.
The curved studio has been designed to reflect the central theme of light in the tradition of looking and drawing. There is a large north-light in the studio tradition, a rear clerestory that throws a softer light back from the rear wall, as well as softer lighting from the east and a graded wash of light that comes along the curve of the entrance.
Sir Peter Cook commented: ‘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.’
Professor Sir Peter Cook RA is a seminal figure in the recent history of architecture. He is the founder of Avant-Garde 1960s architecture collective Archigram, and former Chair of The Bartlett School of Architecture.
Applications are now open for the Sir Peter Cook Masterclass, a new 2-week studio led and directly taught by Peter Cook at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, starting in April and June 2016.
Apply for the Sir Peter Cook Masterclass
Photograph: Richard Bryant