The striking new VEGA building on Kingsway was built by Southern Housing Groups’ contractor, Denne, which is part of the Bouygues Construction Group
The former car dealership building that previously occupied the site displayed elements of Art Deco architecture from the 1930s. The new VEGA building incorporates this style, displaying a simple design in its smooth curved shapes and horizontal lines.
The 1930s design era, known as Streamline Moderne, extended into transport with planes, trains and automobiles, with pilot Amelia Earhart the first woman to fly the Atlantic, making the Lockheed Vega airplane famous. This historical backdrop is the main influence behind the name of the new apartment building.
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In response to the City Council's Percent for Art initiative, the design features glass columns at the front of the building, which illuminate during darkness. A central blue column within the lighting panel is linked to the tide. A high tide is represented when the blue reaches the full height of the building. Tidal data for the next 26 years has been supplied by the National Oceanography Centre, part of the Natural Environment Research Council.
Jeremy Barkway, Regional Development Manager, Southern Housing Group said: "We are especially proud of this scheme, as we've unlocked the full potential of this building through innovative design. The architecture of this mixed tenure scheme, puts VEGA on the map as a great place to live."
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