In terms of both construction and materials, the architect wished to continue to evoke the relationship between the new MAC and the city’s historic landscape, giving visitors a sense of moving easily from the building’s surrounding streets and square into the world within. The foyer is dominated along one side by a four-storey wall of brick piers a strong and dramatic element within the foyer and a main defining moment of the building.”Īs well as being used for the building’s exterior, a deep brick wall wraps the public spaces, forms the ‘cuts’ in the block and continues into the foyer creating an interior ‘urban room.’ In addition to an extensive use of structural in-situ concrete, the brick was used as an internal exposed finish. The foyer occupies the tall voids between these two forms, a space characterised by top-light and defined by internal elevations of brick and concrete reflecting the typical streetscape of the area.

The other is a less regular form with large, individual openings offering into larger, more volumetrically generous spaces. One is a regular cuboid form expressed with a repeated elevational treatment, reflecting the wrapping of large spaces with cellular accommodation. The expression of each block is distinct due to minor adjustments to the architectural language. Ian McKnight form Hackett Hall McKnight said “The project is defined by two brick blocks. “We sought to create a building that reflects the heritage of the city’s mills and warehouses, not only in its resilience and constructional legibility, but also in its warmth and texture and essential humanity.” – Ian McKnight form Hackett Hall McKnight. Responses were received from architects from all around the world but, following a rigorous selection procedure, Belfast-based Hackett Hall McKnight was appointed to lead an integrated design team to deliver the flagship building. The building’s designer was chosen through an international open design competition with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Funded by the Department for Culture Arts and Leisure, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Department for Social Development, the Laganside Corporation and Belfast City Council, the state-of-the-art facility has also been supported by contributions from charitable foundations and the local business sector. Situated on St Anne’s Square behind St Anne’s Cathedral, the new £18m Metropolitan Arts Centre (the MAC) is a striking contemporary building which has helped transform Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and create a world-class visitor destination.īoasting a wide range of arts facilities – including two theatres, three art galleries three education and workshop rooms and an artist-in-residence studio – the MAC is a buzz with exhibitions, dramatic performances, dance shows and experimental works.

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