Arran Marine Discovery Centre

Concept design for a new purpose built Marine Discovery Centre at Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran for COAST (Community of Arran Seabed Trust) - a unique project that will be recognised nationally and internationally for championing community marine conservation. Vision The isle of Arran receives up to 400,000 visitors a year many of whom are drawn to its rugged landscape for walking and sight-seeing. Visitors and locals will be able to visit the “hidden heart” of the Clyde, learning about life under the waves, how we are all connected to and dependent upon healthy seas, and how we can each influence its conservation. A key function of the Marine Discovery Centre will be to generate revenue for COAST to not only provide for educational, campaign and research activities, but also to contribute to the success of the effective management of one of the first Scottish Marine Protected Areas. By generating and maintaining local, year-round employment and galvanising marine tourism it will prove a key asset for sustainable social and economic development on Arran. Composition The brief for the new Centre envisages an energy efficient and sustainable two-storey building in the landscape with an outdoor play area and a direct link to the beach for coastal and marine activities. Our approach creates a striking focal point in the bay and connects the building directly to the Coastal Way to form a unique visitor attraction. A large open and sensitively landscaped plaza designed as a ‘shared surface’ in front of the Centre will connect the building to the beach. The lower part of the building is a shallow grass covered hill and will contain the Centre’s reception, gift shop, research areas and wet laboratory. Full height glazing will allow visitors to see into the laboratory and research areas and extensive storage will be tucked beneath the hill to allow for kayaks and maritime equipment to be stored securely. Above the hill an elegant single storey timber clad pavilion will contain a permanent exhibition space, café and flexible activity areas. Floor to ceiling glazing will offer panoramic views across the bay and large sliding doors will open onto a covered balcony zone for outdoor dining in fine weather. Walkers and visitors will be able to ascend the hill and follow steps up and onto the pavilion’s balcony and then up to a rooftop viewing platform and play area. A central core with a lift and stair will connect visitors arriving at the main reception directly to the café, exhibition and roof levels.