RIBA awards for the best British architecture 2015

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) based in London has chosen thirty-seven winners for its 2015 awards!

The winners from the awards have seen one from Wales, two from Northern Ireland, five from Scotland, and twenty-nine from England. A total of nine private houses were included in the list, alongside eight developer-led housing buildings.

RIBA President, Stephen Hodder, noted: “The UK is blighted by poor-quality new housing and dilapidated school buildings, so I am delighted that the notable trends amongst this year’s RIBA National Award winners are the volume of inspiring new housing and education projects.”

The winners of the RIBA awards can be seen below:

London

  • University of Greenwich, Stockwell Street Building by Heneghan Peng Architects
  • Burntwood School by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
  • St Mary of Eton Church, Apartments and Community Rooms by Matthew Lloyd Architects
  • The Foundry by Architecture oo
  • NEO Bankside by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
  • University Campus for Hult International Business School by Sergison Bates Architects
  • Bonhams by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands
  • Ashmount Primary School by Penoyre & Prasad
  • Lerving House by Jamie Fobert Architects
  • Foyles by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands
  • Kew House by Piercy&Company
  • Brentford Lock West by Duggan Morris Architects
  • Darbishire Place by Niall McLaughlin Architects
  • National Theatre (NT Future) by Haworth Tompkins

East

  • Abode, Great Kneighton, Cambridge by Proctor and Matthews Architects

East Midlands

  • Parkside, Matlock by Evans Vettori Architects Limited
  • Uppingham School Science Centre by Orms

North West

  • Lancaster University, Engineering Building by John McAslan and Partners
  • Manchester Metropolitan University Student Union by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
  • The Whitworth, Manchester by MUMA

South

  • Alfriston School, Beaconsfield by Duggan Morris Architects
  • Flint House, Waddeston by Skene Catling de la Pena
  • The Fishing Hut by Niall McLaughlin Architects

South East

  • Sussex House by Wilkinson King Architects
  • WWF-UK Headquarters Living Planet Centre, Woking by Hopkins Architects

South West

  • Myrtle Cottage Garden Studio, Bradford on Avon by Stonewood Design
  • Dundon Passivhaus, Compton Dundon by Prewett Bizley Architects

UK

  • Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent by Feilden Clegg Bradley

Yorkshire

  • Sheffield Cathedral, New Main Entrance and reordering by Thomas Ford & Partners

Wales

  • Cliff House, Southgate by Hyde + Hyde Architects

Northern Ireland

  • Old See House, Belfast by RPP Architects with Richard Murphy Architects
  • House at Maghera by McGonigle McGrath

Scotland

  • Maggies Lanarkshire by Reiach and Hall Architects
  • Arcadia Nursery, University of Edinburgh by Malcolm Fraser Architects
  • West Burn Lane, St Andrews by Noone Hussey Architects
  • Dalmunach Distillery by Archial Norr (Inverness Studio)
  • Laurieston Transformational Area, Glasgow by Elder and Cannon Architects and Page Park Architects

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Architecture of Liverpool - points of historical interest.

Although Liverpool in England has existed for over 1000 years, today’s city is certainly a product of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with variety of architectural styles. Liverpool is a young city, having grown rapidly…

Liverpool architects: Liverpool PSD Architects

Architect Liverpool
Read more about Architect Liverpool

Liverpool PSD Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice based in the Liverpool Jewellery Quarter.

We hold over nineteen years of experience in architecture and source only them most reputable people for our projects across the UK. Our years in the architectural industry mean we are able to develop a client’s vision into a living structure. We pride ourselves in providing creative designs at high quality and maintaining our client’s satisfaction.

You can see our current clients here, alternatively, our portfolio can be viewed here.

Liverpool PSD Architects are the people to go to if you’re looking for Liverpool architects for any architectural projects that involve any of the following architectural areas:

- Commercial
- Community projects
- Conservation works
- Education
- Industrial
- Listed buildings
- Medical
- Residential (community and private)
- Retail development
- Specialist projects

In order to keep our clients satisfied, we offer a selection of services to meet their needs, including planning, design, and technical drawing services along with our multiple years of expertise.

For more information about Liverpool PSDA - Architect Liverpool, please visit our website!

 

What is it about modern architecture?

 

Modern architecture provides something for everybody, even if an individual prefers traditional architecture.

The foundations of modern architecture are clean and simple, following the ideal that form will follow function thus why many modern architects express themselves through simplicity, clean structural elements, clear views and dropping any design specs that aren’t necessary.

Most designs will integrate elements of glass, steel and wood so to show off the industrial structural materials.

What defines modern architecture?

Both terms modern and contemporary have been confused in the design world. The fact is, contemporary design isn’t like modern, although it also can be. In literal terms, contemporary means now, while modern relates to technological and engineering developments dating back to the turn of the twentieth century.

Sticking with simplicity, modern architecture turns its attention to industrial materials including concrete, glass, and steel. Contemporary design, however, does use the same elements although the designs would be considered as new, re-though, or forward-thinking.

Modern designs allow the structure to speak for itself through minimalistic interiors and cleans lines.

Misconceptions

Common misconceptions are often presented about modern architecture that it is too cold or cool. Although, this does not have to be true. A growing number of elements into modern designs are not seeing features of wood and stone, in neutral colours - both of which are warm and inviting materials.

Other elements that have been integrated into the design have been floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, large windows that allow natural light to flood into a room along with vaulted post and beam ceilings.

Alternatively, playing it safe by using warm colours like browns and beiges, wood and stone etc.

Mixing

It is possible for both tradition and modern styles to work together, they knit together quite well.

The design can prove to be quite and interesting one that creatures a one-of-a-kind home for an individual to live in.

Modern architecture has proven to be unique, warm, open and inviting and more with; it has also proven that it can be combined with traditional architecture to get the best of both world.

Please visit our website to view our architecture and the services we can offer you!

13 reasons to hire an architect for a building project

There are a number of reasons to consider hiring an architect for a building project of any kind.

It is essentially one of the most reliable options for any housing or domestic project of any kind.

Here are thirteen ways in which an architect can help make your building project a success:

1. Architects will conceptualise and put your best ideas into a form that you can visualise so that you will have solid plans to present to your contractors and builders.

2. You will be able to utilise Contract Administration (CA); from that your architect will keep an eye on the construction and should be able to answer any of your questions and making sure the project is sticking to the original design intent.

3. They knowledge will cover everything from landscape design, sociology, law, and ergonomics, in addition to the expected areas of construction materials and techniques.

4. If a priority to your project is ‘green’, you will have the assurance of expert assistance for your project and making sure it is respectable to the surrounding environment, also make the design an environmentally conscious one.

5. Architects will serve as your liaison between the builders and contractors, subcontractors, interior designers, landscape designers, and government offices that are going to be visiting to ensure everything is going smoothly.

6. Architects will be able to anticipate any potential issues with a prospective design and prevent any mistakes that may have occurred if you opting to take on the role yourself, saving you the cost.

7. They will be able to guide you on maximising your space and budget.

8. It is possible that will suggest to you design and material options of which yourself and your builder may not have been aware of. A builder will generally follow your instructions and an architect will aid you in making the best decisions for yourself and the property.

9. Architects will most likely have connections in the industry; once they have completed their initial role, they can then help you identify the professionals to do your job.

10. They will liaise with the builders to ensure that the work is being done in accordance with the plan and the required materials are being used.

11. They will deal with the tasks of securing permits and any zoning issues.

12. Value will be added to your property if it is well designed.

13. A building that has been professionally designed will often have lower maintenance costs!

The decision of hiring an architect for your building project will be vital for its progression.
Please visit our website for further information about Liverpool PSD Architects Liverpool and the expertise we can provide for you.

Architects’ role is larger than ever in green sky thinking

Architects Liverpool
Architects Liverpool

 

Green Sky Thinking Week will be taking place between 20th and the 24th April.

Almost a third of the events of the week will be hosted by architects; regular names will be returning including AHMM, Architype, Bennetts Associates, Nicholas Hare Architects and Hawkins Brown.
New participants that are joining include Levitt Bernstein and Weston Williamson & Partners.

Teaming up with Beyond Green are 5th Studio, Pitman Tozer Architects, and Mole Architects to host a seminar regarding the current housing crisis, while the topic of sustainable sports grounds will be explored by David Morley Architects.

The week will see over 50 seminars providing first-hand interaction with experts from cross-disciplinary teams responsible for a majority of London’s most pioneering projects from the Crossrail, to the Thames Tideway Tunnel.

Focus will also fall upon green infrastructure, energy, data and digits, and the health and wellbeing agenda as the seminars are set to be backed by Open-City.

Visiting sites will remain a key attraction of the week: two Crossrail sites will be opening as a part of the program, along with the King’s Cross site with Argent focusing on water, while Bennetts Associates will offer tours of their recently completed BREEAM outstanding offices for Camden.

Hackney is taking on the subject of district heating, while Elementa, engineering consultancy - presently in the process of developing toolkits to roll out the WELL Building Standard in the UK - will be hosting a PechaKucha-style event on health and happiness in the workplace in the WalkieTalkie sky garden.

Visit the Green Sky Thinking website for further information about the week’s events.
Please visit our website for further information about architecture in Liverpool.

2015 prospects for architects

Resolutions have been set by everyone this year, even the architects with plans to build better towers, ditch the Lego, outlaw the ‘facades’ - and more transparency in Boris’s London, maybe. 

The locals

The issue of having every acclaimed architect slamming down a prospective design for a building, calling it a ‘monumental mistake’ and a ‘disgrace to future generations,’ there’s not much that can be done except for reconsidering your design.
Budding architect, Zaha Hadid, had to face this issue and more over her Tokyo Olympic Stadium to be scrapped - a result of a petition that gained 32,000 signatures, along with an open letter of opposition from a host of eminent Japanese architects - she called them out on jealousy.

“I think it’s embarrassing for them,” she said. “I understand it’s their town, but they’re hypocrites. The fact that they lost (the competition) is their problem.”

Rationing icons

Rob Tincknell, the man overseeing the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station commented on the rationing of icons, “You’ll have two icons sat side by side. What could be better than that?”

The powder station is set to be transformed into a shopping centre, and can be accessed along a ‘high street’ - which will be a gauntlet of luxury apartments - and will feature a wiggling glass worm, designed by Norman Foster, on the one side and a metal flower on the other.

Facets, be gone

The arrival of the Shard piercing England capital’s skyline, lead to competing buildings attempting to mimic its fractured facets, thus the city now bearing a number of useless, angular floor plates that aren’t too pleasing to the eye.
Advice has been given to keep things orthogonal when in doubt for the upcoming year.

Equal entrances

There is no excuse for a poorly designed entry way, however if your housing associate has specified that the affordable housing units should have a separate entrance for reasons regarding maintenance, then bear in mind to design it on equal terms with the market-rate housing.

Let go of Lego

It is known that the Danish source their inspiration from Lego models they have created.
Aware of this notion, Lego has recently sought to adapt the market of adult Lego fans, by launching a Lego Architecture Studio.
This will see a hefty priced set of starch-white bricks aimed at architect grownups.
It is a good idea, for some play time. Lego is not a design tool and shouldn’t be used as one - it will result in chunky buildings popping up by certain Dutch practices.

High-rise structures

London isn’t shy of high-rise towers, although it’s prompted a negative response from the city’s Observer and Architect’s Journal, as they launch a skyline campaign to protect London’s scenic silhouette.
Along with the competition for new towers to overshadow others with new elaborate forms of peaks and technicolour cladding - 2015 will be seeing more towers but let’s make them elegant and thoughtful contributions to the capital.

What do you think is in store for 2015 architecture?
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4 reasons to hire an architect in 2015

Build your dream in 2015: Here are 4 reasons to hire an #architect! http://goo.gl/dGVXST

4 reasons to hire an architect in 2015 As it’s the start of a new year, a number of people are following their dreams of building the perfect home or prope

Understanding the architectural process

The process of architectural work is a lengthy process that relies on planning and constant development to reach the client’s vision.

There are a few components to architecture that result to the final design of the project:

- Gathering information
- Concept development
- Concept evaluation
- Design development
- Visualisation
- Consent

Gathering information

Once a construction site has been engaged, architects will then gather information about the construction site which will all be dependant on the project requirements.
There is a possibility that photographs will need to be take in order to survey the site thoroughly.

Any issues that may affect the construction regarding the existing planting, water courses and soil type will have to be addressed.
It is likely that a confirmation of the detailed process will be done in writing to ensure who knows who is doing what.

Concept development

This is the time when the ball gets rolling as it is the opportunity for the architect’s initial ideas to be presented to the client as receive feedback on those ideas.
A floor plan may be offered with some perspective drawings that will give the client an idea of the overall layout and possibly the look and style of the proposition.

Concept evaluation

In this part of the design process, it’s mostly about whether the client is happy about the direction the architect is heading in.
Liaising with the client frequently is what helps the project move forward, it is usual for minor disagreements to occur on the detail of the design. This essentially encourages more discussions.

By this stage, a clear sense of budget can be distinguished and if any problems will impact the number.
It is also an appropriate time to ensure the client and architect are ready to continue with the designs and the drawings.

Design development

In the third phase of the project, once the concept has come to a mutual agreement, the architect will begin the process of testing and refining ideas that will contribute to the overall shape of the building.

It is possible a Quantity Surveyor will be requested to estimate an independent cost. The budget may be discussed again with it relevance to prioritising over cost, time and quality.

Visualisation

It can be difficult to visualise the finished building just by referring to an image which is why it is important to ensure that a client understands what is being done.
Generally, floor plans, flows, elevations and cut0through section drawing will be provided by architects along with the usual detailed sketches.

Consent

Towards this stage of the architectural process, a building consent will need to be applied for on behalf of the client, if this hadn’t already been done in the concept stage.
For a contract price to be submitted, a builder will need a very detailed proposition about the project.

As seen, architecture is a gruelling process that results in truly awe-inspiring buildings and structures.
For more information about architecture and the services we offer, please visit our website!

Liverpool’s library wins architecture award

The Library of Liverpool has topped the chart for the Riba Stirling Prize 2014!

Liverpool’s city folk were being urged to vote for the architectural beauty and the votes payed off with 30% of the votes going to the Library.

The Library of Liverpool

The Library of Liverpool won the Riba Stirling prize on the 16th October 2014.

The Library was designed by Mecanoo architect, Patrick Arends, who won the emerging architect of the year.
It’s interlocking circle design, rooftop terraces and vast glass-topped central book rotunda are all what added to this gem’s win.

Shortlisted along with the Library was London Aquatics Centre, receiving 26% of the votes, London Bridge Tower/The Shard (20%), Everyman Theatre in Liverpool (10%), LSE Student Centre in London (8%), and Manchester School of Art (7%).

It was also named West Midland’s overall building of the year, at the regional final.

For more news and information about architecture and the services we offer, visit our website!