As April comes to a close, Isle of Architecture has stepped up a gear, with three unique and free events designed to encourage interest in the Island’s built environment.
 
On Thursday 27 April, the next Contemporary Architecture Talk concentrates on a topic close to many hearts – the future of rural design.  Architects Jasmin Eastwood and Andrew Traynor and planner Ed Riley will lead what is sure to be a lively discussion about building in the Manx countryside. Is there a contemporary Manx residential style?  Could our planners, developers and builders learn from recent architectural developments in rural areas in England and Scotland?  Given the recent publication of the Eastern area plan and the reactions both positive and negative that it sparked, Isle of Architecture expects this free evening event at Noa Bakehouse, chaired by Manx Radio’s Jo Pack,  to be very popular indeed.  You can book your place via www.isleofarchitecture.com or www.facebook.com/isleofarchitecture/events.
 
On Saturday 29 April, Isle of Architecture has joined with the Isle of Man Art Festival for two very different events.  If you’ve always wanted to know more about the Island’s greenest building, Thie Slieau Whallian (the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture – DEFA – headquarters in St Johns) now’s your chance.  The building’s architects Karen Horncastle and Ashley Pettit  will be leading short tours throughout the day (booking essential) and talking about the sustainable materials and design choices which went in to creating the only BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Excellent’ office building in the Isle of Man.   Also at Thie Slieau Whallian, there is an opportunity to see work from primary school students who have taken part in Isle of Architecture workshops inspired by the project’s #ilovethisbuilding campaign.
 
Also on Saturday 29 April, for lovers of both architecture and music, there is an Isle of Architecture/Isle of Man Art Festival collaboration at the Sea Terminal’s Crow’s Nest. 
 
Affectionately known as the ‘Lemon Squeezer’ this iconic feature of the Douglas architectural landscape was completed in 1965 and was once a popular restaurant.  This closed some years ago, and the viewing area is now not generally open to the public, but, for one day only, Isle of Architecture and local artists/musicians Sandfingers and Corkwing have created an audio-visual installation inspired by the building and recorded on site.  Whether it’s the architecture, the view or the art which interests you, the Crow’s Nest will be open on Saturday 29 April between 4pm and 8pm for visitors to drop in, visit this amazing space and experience this unique response in sound and vision.
 
Entry to the Crow’s Nest is free, but please book a ticket in advance so that the organisers know how many to expect at this special one-off event.
 
Booking for all events is via www.isleofarchitecture.com or www.facebook.com/isleofarchitecture/events.
 
Photo: Courtesy of Janet Lees.