RIBA North East Building of the Year
The Word has received the esteemed title of ‘Building of the Year’ at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North East Awards 2017.
The Word was one of five buildings chosen from a shortlist of nine to receive an RIBA Regional Award. It was then awarded the overall title of ‘Building of the Year’ to cap another fantastic evening for the practice.
This latest award comes only a month on from success at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) North East Awards, where The Word claimed the top prize of ‘Project of the Year’.
The building will now progress to the highly-coveted RIBA National Awards which will be decided on the 22nd June.
The Word is a library for the 21st century, celebrating the dynamic relationship between people, books, traditional media and interactive technologies, in a truly inspiring environment.
The judging panel had the following to say about the scheme: “The attention to detail is superb and the judges were delighted to see this in a building of this scale – every element was considered and designed, from the bespoke bookcases that populated the atrium wall to the joints in the shuttering of the in-situ concrete.
“The Word is a happy uplifting place and is the embodiment of inclusion for all ages – it caters for all with no compromises.
“Not only is The Word an outstanding, public-sector project culturally, socially and architecturally, but it establishes an eminently satisfactory relationship with the grade I listed Old Town Hall to the north-east, the listed St Hilda’s Church to the south-east and the newly paved Market Square between the two.
“Overall, this is an outstanding work both architecturally and in urban design terms.”
David Wells, Regional Director at Muse Developments, commented: “To win this award is a tremendous accolade for not only our excellent architects, but also to the whole team responsible for the 365 Vision. The regeneration of South Shields has begun with the construction of this iconic building which is already attracting additional private investment to the town to boost the whole economy."
Steve McIntyre, Partner at FaulknerBrowns, said: “We are delighted that the Word has received such a highly regarded accolade from the RIBA. The vision of the client, South Tyneside Council, combined with the dedication and ingenuity of the project team, have combined to deliver a cultural asset of regional and national significance. We are extremely proud of what has already been achieved at The Word and look forward to seeing the positive effect it will have on the region.”
