The purpose of this Competition is to arrive at the architectural concept for the conversion and retrofitting of one of the floors of Hope Mill into renatble artist studios that will be best in terms of its planning, architectural, functional, aesthetic, and operational aspects, and recognise the site's nature, status, and location.

Art needs cheap space /

Manchester is known as a city of mills. In recent times, the decline of the cotton industry led to many of them becoming empty, to be appropriated by musicians and artists in search of cheap spacious places to make their work. Together these people created the cultural scene known as ‘Madchester’. As the economic fortunes of the city improved during the past two decades, these old buildings gained a more general appeal. Sooty bricks sandblasted clean, they were converted to investment apartments and offices: this process is now so far advanced that there are very few cheap studios available near the city.

Regeneration /

East Manchester is one of the most economically deprived places in the UK. Over the past ten years, it has been the focus of government regeneration initiatives including the redevelopment of large areas of housing and the construction of a new tram line. With all this investment, Hope Mill is easier to get to and safer than it was. The fourth floor is currently popular with artists and the plan is to expand into the unused fifth floor.

EASA legacy /

The project is a chance to harness the energy and enthusiasm of the students of the European Architecture Students Assembly this year to create a space for artists in a formerly abandoned part of the city, making greater use of a building of character and historical significance.