# Textural Brick Structures Bennetts Associates & Citizens Design Bureau Create BEAM Cultural Center By Amy Duong | Published 2024-12-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beam-cultural-center References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/12/16/beam-hertford-bennetts-associates-citizens-design-bureau/) & [bennettsassociates](https://www.bennettsassociates.com/)  British design firms Bennetts Associates and Citizens Design Bureau joined forces to create the structure that houses the [BEAM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lives-post-beam) cultural [center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-center-for-arts-innovation) in Hertford, England. It is defined by a series of textured brick volumes and is nestled along the River Lea which extends a retro theater. Bennetts Associates has restored the existing theater and added new areas including a [studio theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-court-theatre), event spaces, and cinemas. Alastair Bogle, associate at Bennetts Associates shares the design notion, stating "The core design concept centres around wrapping a series of brick clad volumes around the existing retained auditorium, which has been remodelled internally. These new volumes each house a specific function related to the brief – be it a cinema, hireable space or theatre – and have been individually crafted to be of a scale and texture that sit comfortably within the historic grain of Hertford's town centre." Image Credit: Hufton+Crow ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 32% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Textured Architectural Designs:** Crafting new buildings with distinctive textures provides opportunities for innovative designs that blend seamlessly with historic surroundings. - **Adaptive Reuse in Construction:** Repurposing existing structures for modern use shows potential for sustainable development and the preservation of cultural heritage. - **Function-specific Building Volumes:** Designing function-specific volumes allows for greater customization and enhances the versatility of mixed-use spaces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Design:** Emerging techniques in combining old-world structures with modern design elements can redefine community spaces and enhance cultural landmarks. - **Sustainable Construction:** Innovatively integrating new architectures with existing buildings offers pathways to more eco-friendly and resource-efficient urban developments. - **Cultural Centers and Venues:** The revitalization of spaces to serve dual purposes as cultural hubs and event centers is transforming how communities engage with arts and entertainment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stock Brick Arched Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-from-a-stone.md) - [Interconnected Brick-Clad Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-chipperfield-architects.md) - [Archival Performance Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/take-a-bow-centre.md) - [Residential Tower Textured Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belden-brick.md) - [Rustic Cultural Architectural Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gallery-house.md) - [Textured Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basalt-house.md) - [Dark Brick Apartment Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/db-apartment.md) - [Textured Brick London Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nw10.md) - [Brick Housing Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-eades.md)