The six “shortlisted” buildings of the Royal Institute of British Architects' top award reflect the practicality of design, where “every penny counts,” as RIBA President Jane Duncan described them. They were designed at the end of the recession, which determined the budget and the general approach to business. However, it was in such cramped circumstances that the skill of their architects was especially vividly manifested, who did everything to ensure that the spaces for life, work, education were of high quality and attractive.
The most notable item on the list is the British Museum's World Conservation and Exhibition Center in London, by Richard Rogers' Rogers Stirk Harbor + Partners. The work of the architects was very limited by the dense historical context, so some of the spaces are hidden underground, for the same reason the building looks very restrained. Inside there is an exhibition hall, suitable, among other things, for especially large exhibits that were previously impossible to exhibit in the British Museum, laboratories equipped with the latest technology, a storehouse, and logistics facilities.
The large size is different
Glasgow College City Campus designed by Reiach & Hall Architects and Michael Laird Architects: These architects were shortlisted last year by Sterling for the same university's River Campus. The complex, with a total area of more than 60,000 m2, has united three different colleges, located in 11 buildings throughout Glasgow, into a "super college". Six faculties, 300 classrooms with modern equipment, multifunctional lecture halls and specialized training laboratories are combined with an unusual commercial ground floor: there, in beauty salons and cafes, future hairdressers and chefs can practice in close to combat conditions.
Museum
Dominating the Oceans at the Royal Navy's Chatham shipyard, designed by Baynes & Mitchell Architects, has added a new lobby and other visitor infrastructure to the uniquely preserved historic environment. Attention to the context did not prevent the creation of a vivid image: a black volume sheathed with zinc panels with a steep roof slope, inside there is a spectacular space made of wood.
Another "sea" monument, walking
the Victorian pier in Hastings, almost completely burned down in 2010. Its restoration had to be taken up by the local community, so dRMM architects wrote the terms of reference for themselves and helped raise funds for implementation. As conceived by the authors and customers, the updated pier is now suitable for a variety of purposes - concerts, fairs, etc. And its end is left empty, without any traditional pavilion - as a place to admire the sea and sky.
Photographer Jürgen Teller's studio, by 6a architects and landscape architect Dan Pearson, is housed in a challenging - but typical London - crowded area. Therefore, there are three lushly landscaped courtyards and floors made of very thin concrete beams to illuminate the premises.
Small tenement
Barrett's Grove house, also in London, has a fabulous look. Its seemingly openwork brick facade is complemented by wicker balconies and a fence, as well as a gable roof. As a result, he has become a very inspiring neighbor for the local elementary school.
The Sterling Prize Laureate will be announced at a gala ceremony on October 31, 2017.
