Victoria Miro Gallery, Old Street

The client wanted a spectacular gallery which would utilise its rooftop position to provide views of and engage with the cityscape of London. Height and light were to be prioritised to create a series of unique and memorable viewing spaces.

A clean minimal plan is offset against a dynamic section, with single, double and triple height spaces all interlinking, with views and vistas offered up internally and externally. Severe narrow toplit stairwells bisect the spaces with ten metre high walls. A triple height grand viewing space can be experienced from balconies on both sides, and from different levels. A south facing external terrace provides clerestory lighting to the space, whilst the windows to this terrace provide an opportunity for the gallery to share its art with the city beyond. The prime gallery space is created as a minimal toplit temple with the unusual addition of a full height glazed end wall leading to an external cantilevered balcony with views to the garden below. The lower floor provides a spacious sequence of more private viewing rooms, which are approached via the triple height space, linking them to the main top floor gallery areas. At the top of the highest stair sits a private study space or 'crow's nest' with commanding views over the whole series of gallery spaces.

The client wanted a spectacular gallery which would utilise its rooftop position to provide views of and engage with the cityscape of London. Height and light were to be prioritised to create a series of unique and memorable viewing spaces.

A clean minimal plan is offset against a dynamic section, with single, double and triple height spaces all interlinking, with views and vistas offered up internally and externally. Severe narrow toplit stairwells bisect the spaces with ten metre high walls. A triple height grand viewing space can be experienced from balconies on both sides, and from different levels. A south facing external terrace provides clerestory lighting to the space, whilst the windows to this terrace provide an opportunity for the gallery to share its art with the city beyond. The prime gallery space is created as a minimal toplit temple with the unusual addition of a full height glazed end wall leading to an external cantilevered balcony with views to the garden below. The lower floor provides a spacious sequence of more private viewing rooms, which are approached via the triple height space, linking them to the main top floor gallery areas. At the top of the highest stair sits a private study space or 'crow's nest' with commanding views over the whole series of gallery spaces.