For the 5th Blog task I will talk about 1 RIBA Sterling prize winner that I Like and 1 that I dislike. They are Astley Castle the 2013 RIBA Sterling prize winner and Laban Centre which is the 2003 RIBA Sterling prize winner.
ASTLEY CASTLE
To start of I will talk about the RIBA Sterling prize winner that I do like which is the Astley Castle, which was of late a problematic wreck, and now the newest addition to the Landmark Trust's portfolio of captivating ruins. In the 1970’s the building was left in ruin as it had a devastating fire which wrecked it. The 12th Century castle was in desperate need of a repair which it got from architect Witherford Watson
Mann.
Witherford Watson Mann picked to use a contemporary looking home in between the ruined walls of the castle and provide modern look to a traditional 12th century castle. Which actually blends in well and gives the castle a new elegance. The architect tried to add to the many layers of construction and destruction so that the castle can be occupied, without changing its essential character. New structures of brick, timber and glass are placed in among the old stone. One can tell that the new work is of the present, but that is understandable as it adds more beauty to the old design. The castle still has six-foot-thick walls and frames of solid oak – with the ancient construction which meet with the new construction.
The new house, is designed for eight people to stay at one time. The castle has new windows which are set deep behind ragged openings to keep the sense of ruination. Inside the hall-like living space on the upper floor, one can experience multiple overlapping’s, of new glazed screens with walls distressed and dented stonework and glassless windows, and greenery beyond.
This project does look like it has met the clients brief and is a prime example of how contemporary architecture does go well with historic architecture. The architect had a difficult task with the budget and poor state of the ruin, but managed to make a wonderful work of art. With one being able to have multiple experiences in the castle.
[Images accessed online at]: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=astley+castle&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=j3dnU4yXO4SROLXJgMgO&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#q=astley%20castle&tbm=isch
ASTLEY CASTLE
To start of I will talk about the RIBA Sterling prize winner that I do like which is the Astley Castle, which was of late a problematic wreck, and now the newest addition to the Landmark Trust's portfolio of captivating ruins. In the 1970’s the building was left in ruin as it had a devastating fire which wrecked it. The 12th Century castle was in desperate need of a repair which it got from architect Witherford Watson
Mann.
Witherford Watson Mann picked to use a contemporary looking home in between the ruined walls of the castle and provide modern look to a traditional 12th century castle. Which actually blends in well and gives the castle a new elegance. The architect tried to add to the many layers of construction and destruction so that the castle can be occupied, without changing its essential character. New structures of brick, timber and glass are placed in among the old stone. One can tell that the new work is of the present, but that is understandable as it adds more beauty to the old design. The castle still has six-foot-thick walls and frames of solid oak – with the ancient construction which meet with the new construction.
The new house, is designed for eight people to stay at one time. The castle has new windows which are set deep behind ragged openings to keep the sense of ruination. Inside the hall-like living space on the upper floor, one can experience multiple overlapping’s, of new glazed screens with walls distressed and dented stonework and glassless windows, and greenery beyond.
This project does look like it has met the clients brief and is a prime example of how contemporary architecture does go well with historic architecture. The architect had a difficult task with the budget and poor state of the ruin, but managed to make a wonderful work of art. With one being able to have multiple experiences in the castle.
[Images accessed online at]: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=astley+castle&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=j3dnU4yXO4SROLXJgMgO&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#q=astley%20castle&tbm=isch
LABAN CENTRE
My least favourite building to win the price is the Laban Centre,
which I don’t think is worthy of winning such a prestigious prize. I feel that
the building has no originality or extra factor like the other winners. The
Laban Centre is a school of contemporary dance which is based in south London.
The colourful building was designed by Herzog & de Meuron who tried to show
off the silhouettes of the dancers.
At the centre of the building is a 300-seat theatre and on the
lower levels, a library, cafeteria and offices. The studio spaces are in
different shapes, sizes and colours which are situated on the upper level. The
architects teamed up with the artist Michael Craig-Martin to choice the right
set of colours used for the panels. The panels which are mounted in front of
the glass, aid as a protective sun shield, helping increase the energy
efficiency of the building.
The building is creative in the way that it is designed and shows
movement. The public spaces are full of humour represented in detail such as the
curving handrail, which counters the hard line of the dance studio
bar.
All in all I don’t think that the building is a bad design I
actually think it is designed well but I don’t think the building is my cup of
tea, think the design could be a bit more aesthetically pleasing.
[Images accessed online at]: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=laban+centre&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=HXdnU5iXI4LfOtrXgfAE&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#imgdii=_
My least favourite building to win the price is the Laban Centre,
which I don’t think is worthy of winning such a prestigious prize. I feel that
the building has no originality or extra factor like the other winners. The
Laban Centre is a school of contemporary dance which is based in south London.
The colourful building was designed by Herzog & de Meuron who tried to show
off the silhouettes of the dancers.
At the centre of the building is a 300-seat theatre and on the
lower levels, a library, cafeteria and offices. The studio spaces are in
different shapes, sizes and colours which are situated on the upper level. The
architects teamed up with the artist Michael Craig-Martin to choice the right
set of colours used for the panels. The panels which are mounted in front of
the glass, aid as a protective sun shield, helping increase the energy
efficiency of the building.
The building is creative in the way that it is designed and shows
movement. The public spaces are full of humour represented in detail such as the
curving handrail, which counters the hard line of the dance studio
bar.
All in all I don’t think that the building is a bad design I
actually think it is designed well but I don’t think the building is my cup of
tea, think the design could be a bit more aesthetically pleasing.
[Images accessed online at]: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=laban+centre&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=HXdnU5iXI4LfOtrXgfAE&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=693&dpr=0.9#imgdii=_