Forum Architecture is an architectural practice based in Southampton, Hampshire with a wealth of in depth design and construction experience gained over the past three decades.
The practice principals have led architectural design teams on numerous completed construction projects either undertaking the project from conception to completion or taking on the construction phases of a project initially designed by others.
Forum consists of qualified and experienced Architects and Technicians that are committed to delivering excellent value and achieving high quality projects through careful design and detailing.
Troika Eastleigh Properties Ltd commissioned Forum to design an extension to their prestigious multistory office building, Gateway House, at Tollgate, Chandler's Ford, Hampshire.
The extension comprising 500 sqm over two floors, was required to provide new offices and catering facilities for a major corporate client.
This is the first purpose built self-storage facility for our client Magenta in Banbury, Oxfordshire, offering storage solutions for both private and business use.
Located close to junction 11 off the M40 on a busy industrial park, the design was led by Magenta's strong corporate colours and the focus on an 'open', welcoming building.
Self storage originated from the US and is a relatively new industry in the UK. With more than 1000 stores across UK the industry has grown steadily since it's beginnings in the early 1980's and holds the strongest market within Europe.
Albeit the steady growth, a recent survey shows that the industry is still not very well known amongst the public. As a result not only a good location is vital but also the best possible marketing.
The development of the Magenta signage and logo went hand in hand with the building design.
Self-storage facilities are by their nature usually buildings without windows or particular features. Lok’nStore and Forum Architecture have worked hard together to develop a shop front concept to take advantage of the various locations on busy commuter roads. This not only displays the business to passersby but also contributes by raising the overall urban design quality of the local area. Forum Architecture is the project architect and lead consultant.
Some interesting facts about self-storage
The self-storage market in the UK has grown rapidly over the last decade and continues to attract demand from both businesses and households.
Lok’nStore was an early entrant into the United Kingdom self-storage market and currently operates 26 stores in handy locations across the South East of England.
Self-storage is an aspect of modern living, especially amid high density residential areas and in urban business centres.
Eastleigh College provides further education and training to school leavers and students returning to education. Forum Architecture was appointed in the autumn of 2014 to assist the College implement part of its overall property strategy to improve teaching areas, circulation and entrance arrangements to the central campus 1960’s building. Part of the project brief was to also undertake measures to reduce energy consumption and running costs and thereby reduce the College carbon footprint.
Working with the college management team and with the interior design team at Blackpepper Studio the final design solution was tendered to contractors and undertaken throughout the summer to a tightly controlled construction programme. The works were completed in time for the new autumn intake of students.
Freemantle Church of England Academy is a larger than average-sized primary school in Southampton providing places for some 320 pupils. In 2015 Forum was commissioned by the Academy to create a robust concept for a new school hall. Located near to the city centre of Southampton and within a busy urban area the Academy was very limited in its possibilities to expand. Careful analysis and cost effective design made it possible to also create two new classrooms.
The much needed bigger school hall now gives the children a lovely big, open and light space in which to eat, celebrate and enjoy music and sports.
The external building facade incorporats vertical larch cladding which allows the new building to viaually nestle in well amongst the existing mature trees which screen the school from a busy nearby commuter road.
Planning consent was secured early on in the project and building works were completed in June 2016.
This new development on the Daedalus site in Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport plays a significant role in the development of the Gosport Peninsula in creating a place for business and economic growth locally, mainly within the maritime, aviation and manufacturing sectors. With this in mind Tidebank, a property development, investment and management company is developing ‘Daedalus Park’ to provide high quality and shell-scheme light industrial and commercial units, with or without mezzanines/offices.
The units offer flexibility and growth opportunities ranging from 1,600 ft2 up to 50,000 ft2. The project is developed in three stages although Tidebank is presently looking to further expand the development to the west of the present site.
We were pleased to be working together with Neilcott Construction Ltd as lead consultant on this project for new workshops and offices for Rushmore Borough Council. The new depot is to support the Council's waste, recycling and street cleansing service (operated by Serco).
Resolving pre-existing issues such a contamination and a high water level as well as working to a very tight time frame were among the challenges on this project.
Forum Architecture was appointed the construction project architect and lead consultant in September 2013. Working alongside Notcutts Woodbridge Limited / Waitrose and Troika Project Management the Forum design team are currently completing the specification and detailed design work for this 4,500 sqm retail development.
This technically challenging project went on site in July 2014 and construction and store fit-out programme for Waitrose was completed in August 2015.
Much of Southampton's historic waterfront consists of warehouses and sail lofts. Unfortunately many are lost though neglect or redevelopment. It takes enlightened clients and a committed team of professionals to breathe life back into such buildings. Once completed however, they are sought after offices and studios with tenants seeking an inspiring working environment ‘with a sea view’.
Forum Architecture is the project architect and is responsible for the supervision of the works on site.
The 19th Century building had a catalogue of defects; fire damage, asbestos, cavity wall tie failure, spalling bricks, leaking roof, deflecting structure, missing and damaged lintels, no insulation, rotting windows and cracked walls. The project focus has been to put right all of the defects and to open up the roof space - as the building was originally designed.
At Forum we aim to contribute to every aspect of the design process with the main focus being upon the end user. We will always be led by the question of how our buildings will be constructed and used to ensure that they provide a safe, stimulating and healthy environment. This approach results in a considered analysis of the brief with regards to the functionality and the environmental impact that any design might have.
Our understanding of the design process enables us to provide our clients with a thorough service that considers wider cost issues relating to the construction, maintenance and management of the completed buildings.
At Forum we place ourselves at the centre of the design team and endeavour to involve the project consultants from the outset. It is quite common for us to provide advice upon the scope and appointments of the wider professional team.
Team working is vital for any design and construction process and therefore building and strengthening the relationships within the project team is fundamental to our way of working.
Communication plays a key role in these processes. Our drawings and models are the tools we use to effectively communicate with the aim to excel in this regard.
Forum = [from Latin: Public Place]
Historic meaning: a public square or marketplace where judicial activity and public business took place
Today's meaning: the exchange of ideas and views on a particular issue in a meeting or medium such as the internet, television or print media
Forum Architecture was established in 2013 and comprises a team of Architects and Technicians. Our diverse backgrounds complement each other and provide for a dynamic work environment.
Our design office is situated at 'Basepoint Southampton' close to Ocean Village in the city centre.
Andrea Bartelt
Dipl Ing Architektur, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany (1997)
Tim Gough
BA Architecture, Birmingham (1996)
Diploma in Professional Studies: Architecture (1998)
Member Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Paul Morris
HNC Building Construction, London (1991)
Andy McColm
BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology, Southampton (2000)
ACIAT
Joe Lawrie
Part-time student, Architectural Design and Technology, Solent University, Southampton
21st August
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It is 5 years now since the idea of Forum Architecture was born, we can't quite believe how fast this time has passed!! Thank you to everyone who has been part of our wonderful journey.
"I always look forward to the next project. That is one of the wonderful things about architecture – you always can hope for another project to design" Cesar Pelli
19th June
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We spent a very interesting and informative day at Tobermore, gaining an insight into the quality of their products and the scale of the operation that is behind the name.
Thank you to David and his team for organising this event. We look forward to working with you in the future.
4th April
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The new building for 'Magenta Self Storage' is taking shape in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
23rd January
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2 days wasn't enough! Excellent show, highly recommended and a must for those looking for innovation!
4th November
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A big thank you to Morgan Sindall for organising this bike ride on the Purbeck Hills; great weather, great scenery and great company.
23rd September
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At Daedalus Park work is progressing fast and the first business is trading from this new enterprise park in Lee-on-the-Solent.
13th May
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Lok'nStore Bristol and Southampton are now welcoming customers into their brand new facilities. Transparency was key in developing a concept that creates light and open spaces. This was achieved through the careful use of material and composition and has so far been very well received by staff, customers and passers-by.
T: 023 8068 2095
E: mail@forumarchitecture.co.uk
