A radical homecoming for the Factory International.
A radical homecoming for the Factory International.
We teamed up with our long-term collaborator Ben Kelly to design a series of statement anchors within Factory International's new home, Aviva Studios - a leading cultural hub commissioned by Manchester Council, with backing from Arts Council England and HM Government.
The overall building, designed and led by OMA Architects, has been zoned into a soaring 21-meter warehouse and a huge hall, all primed to showcase the very best in dance, music, visual arts and performance.
Our main task was to inject life into these vast open spaces via a series of strategically designed components. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of festivals, we designed a kit of components drawn together with four essential design principles: Flexible & Modular, a Sense of Place, Accessibility for All, and a Place for All.
The five vibrant anchor elements in the 'Social' and 'Lounge' zones intertwine bold graphics and colours, tying together modular furniture, intuitive movable retail units, a gigantic drinks bar and a wayfinding beacon.
Culture & Education