RIBA National Award-winning buildings set the standard for good architecture and the shortlist for the coveted RIBA Stirling Prize for the UK’s best building of the year will be drawn from the 37 award-winning buildings announced today.
The Whitworth, Manchester by MUMA was awarded for its extension to the 19th century gallery, which the judges said: “Carefully crafted spaces emerge seamlessly from the existing as an integral yet individualistic part of the whole assembly.” The gallery was reopened in February, as reported in M+H Advisor feature and video, and has already broken annual visitor records in its first few months.
Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent by Feilden Clegg Bradley, was said to be: “A meticulous refurbishment of an existing Grade II* listed pottery which has clearly regenerated the area and trebled the size of the workforce.” Middleport Pottery was also shortlisted for restoration/conservation at the Museums + Heritage Awards in April.
Speaking today, RIBA President Stephen Hodder said: “The RIBA National Awards provide a unique insight into UK construction, investment and design trends. The admirable aspect shared by every one of our winners is ambition. The combination of ambitious clients, architects, local leaders and a supportive local community leads to great new buildings. All 37 of our RIBA National Award winners should provide inspiration for developers, local authorities and architects alike and will delight generations to come.”
The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the UK’s best building of the year will be selected from these winners and announced on Thursday 16 July. The winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced at a special event on Thursday 15 October in London.
The winners of the 2015 RIBA National Awards will be celebrated at a special event at the Serpentine Pavilion in London on 8 July, generously supported by Marley Eternit.
