Cloudigital Art

Brief/Overview from the client:

 To refurbish the current ground floor tenancy at The Foundry to function as a digital art gallery with Coffee shop and bespoke Vegan baked goods and beverage retail for paying patrons.

Initial Challenges:

The site had strict conditions in that we had to adhere to limited impact to Heritage protection imposed on the building. The premises is in a building that is sensitive to the vernacular of old-world industrial aesthetic. Over and above the general space on the ground level, VDS was tasked to transform a damp and smelly basement into a usable cinematic room with all amenities with fresh-air; corrective lighting and solid acoustic treatment.

Materials used and why:

From the outset a decision was made to adopt the principles of ‘Truth to Materials’ and to embrace the heritage components of the raw red-brick walls; exposed Oregon pine rafters and timber ceiling and the decision of whatever new fixtures and fittings would be paired- down minimal clean, tone of white and black detailing. Columns were clad in black glass, the floor finished in high-gloss white epoxy reflecting light up into the space. An unsightly wall was enclosed entirely with a floor-to-ceiling aluminum and fluted glazed section containing an illuminated Terrarium. In keeping with the heritage finishes, we opted for a gloss-black metro tile clad masonry wall positioned to obscure the Fire escape exit and serving as a backing wall enclosing the Café with brass lettering for the branding. The brass trims and lettering highlighted the traditional transitions that exists in older buildings. 

 Design/Architectural  Considerations:

 Key design considerations for the design of the gallery include:

1.   Site analysis

The Foundry is ideally located within walking distance of both The Cape Quarter and the V&A Waterfront, offering convenience and connectivity to nearby attractions. 

This well-maintained building provides 24-hour access and security, ensuring a safe and accessible environment for tenants and visitors alike. Secure parking is available, adding further ease for those who work or visit the premises.

One of the standout features of The Foundry is its beautiful, spacious courtyard, home to Bellagio and other trendy businesses. This space fosters an inviting and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for casual meetings or relaxation.

Key highlights include:

• Situated in a trendy area, surrounded by popular coffee shops and cafes, with Bellagio as a focal point within the courtyard.
• Proximity to the V&A Waterfront and Cape Quarter, enhancing both business and leisure opportunities.
• Easy access to public transport and major transport links, making commuting simple for

tenants and visitors alike.

Cloudigital Art is located just off the courtyard leading towards the Reception and main security desk. 

2.   User needs.

The client requires a design solution for a heritage building that caters to both functionality and aesthetic appeal, with a focus on creating a high-end, visually striking environment while maintaining cost-effectiveness.  The design must incorporate several key features, all aligned with the specific requirements of the space.

Key Design Features: 

1.   LED Screens and Art Display: All LED screens are to be reintegrated into the final design, serving as an important digital element. A central transitional area will house an art display, situated behind frameless glass, allowing for clear visibility from the reception counter to the end of the space. The reception counter will be centrally positioned, establishing a clear line of sight to a central sculptural piece that serves as a focal point.
2.   Basement Cinema: The basement cinema area will adopt an informal, layered, low-seating arrangement, designed for comfort and casual interaction. This area needs to blend seamlessly with the rest of the space while offering a distinct, relaxed atmosphere.
3.   Café and Catering Area: A café will feature a display for baked goods and a barista station, all positioned at one end of the space. Minimal catering requirements are expected, with the inclusion of a cake display fridge at a right angle to the barista counter. The café will also integrate an ambient product display within the counter space. A wash-up area will be included within the low-storage room.

4.   Minimalist and Industrial Aesthetic: The overall design scheme should emphasize minimalism, with a clear delineation between two separate areas. Despite the separation, the spaces will be unified through a central art display area. The industrial feel of the building, characterized by concrete walls and galvanized steel pipes, will be preserved. However, new elements will include a white epoxy floor and white walls, except for the central dividing wall, which will feature a polished charcoal stucco finish using Cemcrete products.

HVAC and Structural Considerations: 

Given the nature of the building, a new HVAC solution will be implemented. The system must

address water seepage through the heritage walls and expel damp air to the exterior, with additional

extraction on the basement level. Low-level louvered panels at the bottom of the drywalls will allow air circulation into the drywall cavities, ensuring proper ventilation throughout the space.

Compliance and Budget: 

The project must adhere to heritage building regulations, necessitating the appointment of a heritage architect for the works permit and council submissions. Additionally, building compliance related to HVAC, fire safety, and electrical services must be maintained throughout the fit-out.

The design will be developed with a lean budget in mind, focusing on reusing and enhancing the existing layout to align with the new intended purpose. While the space must maintain a high-end feel upon completion, the project must also be robust enough to handle its retail and café purpose.

Project Phases:

The project will follow a full turnkey approach, encompassing the following phases:

• Discovery and Due Diligence
• Design Development
• Spatial Documentation
• Costing and Procurement
• Construction
• Handover for Occupation

Each phase will be closely managed to ensure a smooth process from design to completion, with close attention to budget, timeline, and compliance standards.

Target Audience: 

The design will cater to a diverse audience, including members of the public with an interest in digital artwork, art collectors, artists, and educational facilitators. Additionally, it will appeal to café culture enthusiasts, adding a vibrant, community-driven element to the space.

In summary, this project involves crafting a multi-functional, visually compelling environment that balances the client’s requirements with the heritage of the building, while maintaining a lean budget and ensuring all necessary regulations are met. 

3.   Brief.

Indicated above

4.   Sustainability.

This design concept prioritizes sustainability while balancing functionality and aesthetic appeal:

LED Screens and Art Display: The reintegrated LED screens provide a sustainable, energy- efficient digital element, contributing to the modern aesthetic. A frameless glass art display

in the transitional area allows clear sightlines from the centrally positioned reception counter to a sculptural focal point, enhancing spatial flow.

Basement Cinema: The cinema’s informal, low-seating arrangement promotes comfort and relaxed interaction, blending seamlessly with the rest of the space. Sustainable design elements ensure that the cinema’s comfort is eco-friendly.

Café and Catering Area: The café, featuring a baked goods display and barista station, has minimal catering requirements, reducing energy and resource consumption. Ambient product displays within the counter space, alongside a hidden wash-up area, emphasize efficiency and sustainability.

Minimalist and Industrial Aesthetic: The industrial character is preserved with exposed concrete walls and galvanized steel pipes, while new sustainable features, such as white epoxy floors and walls, and a polished charcoal stucco finish on the central wall, modernize the space. Sustainable acoustic panels made from recycled plastic bottles are integrated to control sound, further reinforcing the eco-conscious design.

This approach seamlessly incorporates modern sustainability practices, creating an eco- friendly, visually harmonious, and functional environment.