NMeM: London presence - more details

[Michael Pritchard]

More details of the requirements the Natuonal Media Museum require for its London presence have emerged which start to add shape to the project...

The National Media Museum is seeking an architectural and engineering team to undertake the design and onstruction of its London Galleries Project that consists of a suite of facilities created for a range of cultural programming, which will open in September 2012. The National Media Museum’s team of curators, programmers, and educators are preparing the programme for the London Galleries Project, which will focus on the contemporary issues and histories of the museum’s collecting areas of photography, film, television, radio and the Web. There are three equally important themes within this programme:

• Temporary exhibitions that centre on pivotal moments and themes within the histories of photography and film
• A programme of screenings, courses, discussions, performances, and recording sessions that map the creative potency of the media we encompass
• A focus upon the production and dissemination of printed media manifested through an open shelf library, the creation of publications, and debates about the future of publishing.

The founding principles of the London Galleries project revolve around providing the spaces and the levels of welcome for visitors to step over the traditional dividing line between the ‘institution’ and the ‘public’ and, instead, create a space within which our collective points of view, practices and experiences are synergised into the programme of debates, screenings, book launches, courses, conversations, exhibitions and the very life of this media-oriented space.

Relevant deadlines:

Proposed Procurement Timetable

Closing date for expressions of interest: 12 noon - 3^rd April 2010

Response to Pre Qualifying Questionnaires: 26^th February to 3^rd April 2010 (37 days)

Confirmation of Suppliers to be invited to Tender: 13^th April 2010

Tender Programme: 14^th April to 23^rd May 2010 (40 days)

Award of Contract: 15^th June 2010

Appointment: 24^th June 2010

Further details:

With a 1500m² floor plan, the London Galleries project will include:

• Elegant, flexible exhibition spaces that can accommodate historical photographs, new media installations, and film and video artworks
• A screening and performance space
• Private rooms for study, discussions, recording and editing sound and vision
• A large, welcoming lounge and library area
• Café bar and kitchen facilities
• Other services

In order for the architectural scheme for the London Galleries project to embody our desired ethos, it will need to be thoughtful on a number of levels. We will require:

• Climate control that considers both the current environmental conditions required for museum-standard exhibitions and adheres to NMSI’s responsible use of energy
• Acoustic scheme that considers the range and nature of our activities, where live performance and quiet contemplation are required in adjoining spaces
• A digital, audio and visual environment that befits a forward thinking and media based project
• A suite of facilities that are truly flexible and respond to the day and night programming of the entire but also specific areas of the space
• A design identity that is coherent on both macro and micro levels, from the use of the space’s existing features to the materials used for gallery and library furniture.

We are looking for an organisation to provide integrated design services for this exciting project. It is vital that key services work closely together, these include but are not limited to the following: Mechanical & Electrical Services, Environmental Engineers, Multi-media and digital environment specialists, Structural Engineers, Audio-Visual and Lighting Engineers, Other services to be defined as required.

NMSI would at all times wish to be involved in the short-listing and final selection of sub-contractors at each stage of the project. The successful organisation will work with an externally appointed Programme Manager and the Major Projects Group within NMSI. QS Services and CDM Co-ordinator will be appointed outside of this tender.

This project is currently not fully funded and will be awarded on the understanding that break clauses will be incorporated at fundraising milestones.

NMSI will be following OJEU guidelines and utilising the ‘Restricted’ tendering process.