CHROMA is an exclusive club accessible only to DJCAD art students at Dundee University, Scotland. The club incorporates adaptive reuse principles, spatial strategies, and social themes.
The design is a versatile environment by day and night. During the day, the space serves as a café/bistro, providing a communal setting for art students to engage with one another. In the evening, it transforms into a vibrant performance space, featuring live music. This dual-purpose design aimed to foster a relaxed atmosphere where art students could enjoy the sense of community that comes with being part of an art course.
Main Floor
Main Floor
Light Tunnel
Seating Area
Bar
Cloakroom and Seating Area
Stairs
Upstairs
Downstairs
Club Animation
Chroma, the saturation or intensity of a colour, refers to art schools and the DJCAD the celebration of colour. It highlights the importance of colour in all disciplines in the art school and how it creates a strong identity within the art school community. It is a key aspect in expressing individualism and an identity within the work created by each student.
Scale Model
The Matthew Building exhibits a distinct brutalist architectural style characterised by its geometric forms and predominantly grey colour palette. To breathe new life into the space, the art club introduces curved elements adorned with vibrant colours, creating a striking contrast that seamlessly integrates with the existing environment. While the club's design stands as an independent entity, it also pays homage to the original character of the Matthew Building, maintaining a harmonious coexistence between the two.
The club's interior utilizes colour as a means of division, effectively separating different activities within the space. The selection of colours is thoughtfully guided by colour theory, considering their impact on human behaviour, mood, and emotions. This deliberate approach ensures that each colour zone creates a specific ambiance, facilitating a tailored experience for club members as they navigate the diverse areas.
Site History