Revitalizing Historic Structures
In the late 20th century, the Ministry of Defence vacated the expansive Woolwich Arsenal in London, leaving behind disused industrial buildings ripe for redevelopment. While residential blocks emerged over the years, a core cluster of five historic structures remained, slated for cultural revitalization. Greenwich Council embarked on a significant investment endeavor, resulting in the creation of Woolwich Works.
Architectural Transformation
Bennetts Associates spearheaded the refurbishment of three buildings for short-term occupancy by the theatre group Punchdrunk, while dedicating the remaining two – known as The Fireworks Factory and the Academy – to permanent arts venues. The Fireworks Factory, the largest among them, now hosts performance spaces, dance studios, artists’ workshops, cafes, and rental areas within its walls.
Recognition and Awards
The project garnered acclaim, winning both the RIBA National Award 2023 and the RIBA London Conservation Award 2023. Recognizing the need for extensive adaptation, Bennetts Associates collaborated with Consarc Design Group, conservation architects, to devise a strategic approach. The focus was on targeted interventions to maximize benefits while preserving the buildings’ historic integrity.
Adaptive Design Solutions
Despite its original cast-iron columns, the Fireworks Factory hall underwent engineering modifications to accommodate 800 seated or 1200 standing individuals. The challenge lay in retrofitting the lightweight original structure to meet contemporary standards for acoustic and thermal insulation, glazing, lighting, and services. The design prioritized discretion, aiming to integrate new additions seamlessly while maintaining the building’s aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
The Fireworks Factory at Woolwich Works stands as a testament to successful heritage preservation and adaptive reuse. Through careful planning and innovative design solutions, Bennetts Associates transformed an industrial relic into a vibrant cultural hub, ensuring its relevance and vitality for generations to come.
