IOU Arts Venue
IOU Theatre are an established international arts organisation who have relocated to Victoria Mill within the Dean Clough complex.
The phased project creates a new permanent gallery and exhibition space at Dean Clough, housing the IOU archive alongside a changing programme of activities. The scheme also provides a large-scale workshop for emerging artists and new office space for the company.
Our approach has been to work with the building’s constraints, maximise the available budget, and develop a low-cost design within a listed setting. We treated the project as a piece of theatre set design, introducing inserted elements that sit in contrast to the texture and history of the existing fabric. These are complemented by contemporary interventions, including a new proscenium entrance and a theatre ‘scrim’ lining to the workshop.
A new lift and simple, robust staircase improve access and connectivity throughout, with each element embedded with a distinct IOU aesthetic.
Awards
Services on this project
Defining the project’s purpose, business case, and initial advice.
Developing the project brief, assembling the project team, and conducting site surveys
Creating initial design concepts, sketch plans, 3D models, and early cost estimates.
Refining the design, including structural, MEP, and architectural details to achieve consents, such as planning permission.
Preparing detailed technical drawings, specifications, and building regulations information.
Building the project, including off-site manufacturing and on-site construction.
Finalising construction, testing, commissioning, and handing over the building to the client.
Post-occupancy evaluation, ongoing maintenance, and monitoring of building performance.
