Architecture

The design of WestQuay responds to Southampton’s existing streetscape and features elevations in a range of materials. Portland Stone, buff coloured brickwork, metal cladding and a masonry base of knapped flint faced stone walls have been used to reflect the variety of existing materials which distinguish the different parts of the city: the historic old town, post-war development and the port building.

A series of naturally lit internal public spaces, each with its own distinctive character are linked to form an internal street. The main entrance on Above Bar, identified by a vaulted fabric canopy projecting into the street, marks the start of the route, which leads through a serpentine arcade to emerge into a dramatic Focal Space.

Externally, the main building features a masonry podium based clad in knapped flint faced stone panels with decorative metal grilles. Above this, a pedestrian walkway with metal handrails and planting troughs, wraps round the building as a modern extension to the historic town walls.