Arts Tower
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Arts Tower | |
 'Arts Tower' which houses many of the departments of the faculty of Arts |
|
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sheffield, England |
| Status | completed |
| Constructed | 1961-1965 |
| Use | Education |
| Height | |
| Roof | 78m (255ft) |
| Technical Details | |
| Floor count | 20 (plus Mezzanine and 2 basement floors) |
| Elevator count | 3 |
| Companies | |
| Architect | Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners |
The Arts Tower is a building in Sheffield, England that is part of the University of Sheffield. At 255 feet (78 m) tall it is the tallest building in the city,[1] just slightly taller than the 250 foot (76 m) Royal Hallamshire Hospital nearby. It is also the tallest university building in the UK[2].
Designed by architects Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, construction of the tower started in 1961 and lasted four years. The design was inspired by the Seagram Building in New York City, although the Arts Tower is roughly half the size. Entry to the building was originally made by a wide 'bridge' between fountains over a shallow pool area in front of the building. This pool was eventually drained and covered over when it was found that strong down drafts of wind hitting the building on gusty days caused the fountain to soak people entering and exiting the building. An alternative design for a rotunda-styled cylindrical building was thrown out when suitable curved furnishings were costed.
The building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in 1965,[3] it has 20 stories and a mezzanine level above ground. These house the departments of Modern languages, Philosophy, Biblical Studies, and Architecture. There are also two floors below ground level that house nine lecture theatres. The building contains two cafes: one in the basement, and the other on the nineteenth floor. Circulation is through two ordinary lifts and a paternoster lift, one of only a few in the country.
A bridge at the mezzanine level links the tower to the University's contemporary library. This building was also designed by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners—the two buildings are intended to be viewed together.[3] The Arts Tower and Library are Grade II* listed buildings.[4] The building is currently (early 2007) partly closed due to safety issues and ingress of water causing unfavourable criticism from staff and students.
[edit] References and notes
- ^ At 101 m, the 32-floor St Pauls Tower on Arundel Gate, which was approved in October 2005[1], will be taller when completed.
- ^ http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/tp/ty/ed/. Accessed 29 January 2007
- ^ a b Harman, R. & Minnis, J. (2004) Pevsner City Guides: Sheffield, pp82–84. New Haven & London: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-10585-1
- ^ English Heritage (1993) Library and Arts Tower, University of Sheffield. Images of England (accessed 7 January 2006—free registration required).
