Project Theme

Located in the centre of Lewes, and within the precinct boundary walls of Lewes Castle. The project is concerned with thinking about our relationship with the past, the presence of history, and the possibilities of our present time, for making new places, of enlightenment, contemplation, or possibly revelation. In these times, after castles…

In a town that is recognised for its historical significance, we will consider the possibilities of new architecture that is not necessarily ‘in keeping’, or ‘referential’. The challenge is then the challenge of the past, in finding ways for new interpretations, or expressions, of a valid vitality. Histories, natural, factual, or imagined, might inform insightful authentic design that could be entirely rational, or equally, aspire to the qualities of the magically real, or otherworldly.

With the project developing as a museum with the language of an intimate building and an atmosphere of a residence rather than a corporate museum. The building focuses on utilising natural light to brighten spaces and bring contrast to areas of dark and shade, to craft a range of exhibition spaces. The pieces held at the museum have the ability to be a wide range of art pieces or artifacts, whether it be an annex for the Lewes Castle Museum or as originally thought, housing the works of artists such as Pierre Soulages whose work changes when viewed in differently lit environments.