sean compton of melon|design:architecture has recently won the architectural competition for the Blue Coral Building in the heart of Castries, Saint Lucia.

The project is being carried out in association with NLBA architects, and involves the re-use of an existing 1960s three story building, into which will be inserted a two screen cinema, studio theatre, ancilliary spaces and lounge bar on the second floor. Above this, a new floor will house the new SkyGarden restaurant overlooking the Boulevard and the main thoroughfare of Bridge Street, whilst the bottom two floors will house boutiques and dutyfree shopping, as well as a cafe spilling out into a new landscaped courtyard at street level.

The proposals incorporate many energy saving ideas, including using heat exchangers for cooling the building utilising the water table of aluvial Castries. The facade is articulated with perforated aluminium fins, shading 'display strips' and providing a rhythm along the street.

Penetrating the core of the building will be the curving form of a new freeform atrium, tapering as it rises through the building with escalators criss-crossing the space, drawing people up through the building. The atrium will bring light into the heart of the building, and will also be used as a ventilation device, venting hot air out of the top, drawing cooler air into the building....

Along with new urban landscaping and pedestrianisation proposals, the project is viewed as a catalyst for the regeneration of the capital city.

Budget : Witheld