Campus buildings win design accolades
Posted on 16 May 2008
16 May 2008The Raymond Burton Library and Borthwick Institute for Archives and the National Science Learning Centre (NSLC) were among ten buildings which received the awards in recognition of excellence in conservation, and in outstanding distinctive contemporary design.
The Judges described the Raymond Burton Library and Borthwick Institute as ‘a striking landmark addition’ and the NSLC as ‘a high quality modern building with flexible internal spaces’. Both were commended for their sustainability features.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Irene Waudby, presented the award for the Library and the Borthwick to architect Andrew Forrest and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Estates Elizabeth Heaps. The award for the NSLC was received by architect David Standhaven, Director of Facilities Management Keith Lilley and Miranda Stephenson, of NSLC.
Launched in November last year, the competition was open to all new build and conservation, conversion and landscape developments within the City of York Council boundary completed between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2007.
A total of 27 entries were received and judged by an independent panel with expertise in architecture, planning, sustainability, and conservation. The judging criteria included sustainability and context.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
National Science Learning Centre
- Judges’ Comments: "A very important institution which has located in York on the expanding university campus. A high quality modern building with flexible internal spaces where teachers come to be refreshed and to expand their own vision of their subjects. The central forum space is ideal for social events and for the interaction which is central to the success of the Centre".
University of York Raymond Burton Library and Borthwick Institute
- Judges’ Comments: "Not all the new buildings on the campus are inspirational and some fail to respond to the setting created in the 1960s. However, the university library extension is a striking, landmark addition, which connects well to the existing 60s building and provides much needed space. The archives facility houses the precious material of the Borthwick Institute, formerly at St Anthony’s Hall in the city centre. Designed to provide secure storage for centuries to come, it also offers excellent amenities for researchers".