Creating a Cultural Catalyst
Beam Mobile, Wakefield
Threefold Architects in collaboration with Jason Bruges Studio, won an international RIBA design competition for a mobile arts and education structure with this transportable wedge building. Following the competition, Threefold Architects has worked closely with BEAM, a organisation promoting arts and creativity in the public realm, to develop the detailed design and provide information to secure funding for the project.
Beam Mobile is a self-deploying structure, unfolding from an articulated lorry to create an occupiable elevated slope with a fully operational flexible arts and education space below.
From the outset the approach was to create something that is more than just a room to house activities and exhibits. The design seeks to create a flexible space that can respond to and alter each site or activity that is taking place within or around it. This design creates an architecture that is not just an enclosure but an interactive exhibit, installation, sculpture, catalyst and event.
BEAM Mobile will create the same sense of anticipation and excitement as the arrival of a fair to a small town. It creates a physical shift in perspective equivalent to a ride on the top deck of a bus and the intrigue and thrill of finding oneself in an unexpected condition or scenario. It offers an altered viewpoint of a familiar place by elevating individuals and events to a full storey height on the secure and fully accessible viewing platform. It also creates a virtual wedge in the space that surrounds BEAM Mobile that will be explored using interactive technologies for learning about each place it visits.