Cultural Centre, Sittingbourne, Kent

3rd in RIBA Competition

3WA’s entry for this international competition sought to maximise the public space available to the people of Sittingbourne in a new complex rehousing the museum, library, theatre and community offices. A new piazza slopes down to the building and flows beneath the canopy. Flanking the building is a tiered market. A forum for art greets the visitor as the public space flows under the adaptable internal elements, raised on piloti to allow for maximum flexibility of the exhibition concourse.

Controlled effective daylighting, cross ventilation and grey water WCs provide a high quality environment at a low economic and social cost. The modular ETFE pillowed roof allows for installation of photovoltaic cells at a later date.

Client Swale Borough Council / Kent County Council
Project Team 3WA / Arup / Cyril Sweett