The new Everyman Theatre in Liverpool by Haworth Tompkins has won the coveted RIBA Stirling Prize 2014 for the best building of the year. Now in its 19th year, the RIBA Stirling Prize is the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize.
The presentation of the RIBA Stirling Prize trophy to Haworth Tompkins took place at a special ceremony on October 16 at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.
The old Everyman Theatre in Liverpool opened in 1964 in the shell of a 19th-century chapel on one of Liverpool’s main streets. Although a much-loved institution, the building itself was in a state of disrepair.
The decision to pull the theater down and replace it with a new one has been a nine-year project for the architects Haworth Tompkins. They have expertly met a difficult challenge: that of creating an entirely new and sustainable building, while retaining and revitalizing the best-loved features of its predecessor.
The architects were tasked with ensuring that the soul of the old Everyman, one of informality and community ownership—the "theatre of the people"—was carried into the new building. The result is a new building with a striking exterior and elegant interior, all with exceptional attention to detail and sustainability credentials.
RIBA President Stephen Hodder said:
“The success of this exceptional new building lies in the architect’s close involvement with the local community throughout the project. Haworth Tompkins have struck the perfect balance between continuity and change to win the hearts and minds of the people of Liverpool with the vibrant new Everyman. Complementing beautifully with the surrounding listed buildings, it is a ground-breaking example of how to build a daring bold and highly sustainable large public building in a historic city centre. The building exceeds expectations and I am delighted to present Haworth Tompkins with the 2014 RIBA Stirling Prize.”
The judges' citation for the RIBA Stirling Prize winner:
“The new Everyman in Liverpool is truly for every man, woman, and child. It cleverly resolves so many of the issues architects face every day. Its context—the handsome street that links the two cathedrals—is brilliantly complemented by the building’s scale, transparency, materials, and quirky sense of humour, notably where the solar shading is transformed into a parade of Liverpudlians. The ambience of the theatre is hugely welcoming with three elegant and accessible public foyers for bars, lounges and café/bistro. Clever use of materials with interlocking spaces and brilliant lighting make this an instantly enjoyable new public space for the city."
"It is exceptionally sustainable; not only did the construction re-use 90% of the material from the old theater, but all spaces are naturally ventilated including the auditorium with its 440 seats. Clever, out of sight concrete labyrinths supply and expel air while maintaining total acoustic isolation. It is one of the first naturally ventilated auditoria in the UK. The generosity of its public spaces, which, on a tight site, are unexpected and delightful, are used throughout the day and night. As Howarth Tompkins’ first completely new theatre, it is a culmination of their many explorations into the theatre of the 21st century. It is ground-breaking as a truly public building, which was at the heart of the client’s philosophy and ethos. In summary, an extraordinary contribution to both theatre and the city, achieved through clever team working—client, architect, consultants, and contractor—where the new truly celebrates the past.”
This is the first time Haworth Tompkins has won the RIBA Stirling Prize. The firm was previously shortlisted in 2007 for London’s Young Vic theatre. The Everyman is its first new-build theater, among a portfolio of over a dozen theaters from the Royal Court in 2000 to the recent temporary "Shed" outside the National Theatre. Its other projects include a secondary school in Birmingham and Coin Street Community Centre in London. The practice is currently working on a regeneration project in Canning Town and a housing development in Stratford, East London.
The Everyman Theatre was chosen by the judges from the following outstanding shortlisted entries:
-
Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo
-
London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects
-
London School of Economics - Saw Swee Hock Student Centre by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
-
Manchester School of Art by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
-
The Shard by Renzo Piano Building Workshop
The judges for the 2014 RIBA Stirling Prize were: Spencer de Grey (Chair) - architect, Foster and Partners; MJ Long - architect, Long and Kentish Architects; Cindy Walters - architect, Walters and Cohen; Stephen Kieran – architect, Kieran Timberlake; and Sir Timothy Sainsbury architectural patron and client.
The winners of three other annual RIBA awards were also announced:
-
Stormy Castle, Gower Peninsula, Wales, by Loyn & Co., won the 2014 RIBA Manser Medal for the best new private home
-
House No 7, Isle of Tiree, Scotland, by Denizen Works won the RIBA’s 2014 Stephen Lawrence Prize for best project with a construction budget of less than £1 million
-
Manchester Metropolitan University won the 2014 RIBA Client of the Year. The award recognizes the role good clients play in the delivery of fine architecture.
Related Stories
Architects | Apr 19, 2017
Tour Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry architecture with Google Earth
Google Earth’s new ‘Voyager’ feature allows people to take interactive guided tours.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 18, 2017
Three multifamily, three specialized housing projects among 14 recipients of the AIA’s 2017 Housing Awards
2017 marks the 17th year the AIA has rewarded projects and architects with the Housing Awards.
Projects | Apr 17, 2017
BD+C's 2017 Design Innovation Report
Façades that would make Dr. Seuss smile, living walls, and exterior wall space that doubles as gallery space are all represented in this year's BD+C Design Innovation Report.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 13, 2017
The rise of human performance facilities
A new medical facility in Chicago focuses on sustaining its customers’ human performance.
Laboratories | Apr 13, 2017
How to design transformative scientific spaces? Put people first
While most labs are designed to achieve that basic functionality, a transformational lab environment prioritizes a science organization’s most valuable assets: its people.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 12, 2017
Hotels embrace place
Today’s hospitality environments emphasize unique, localized experiences to attract and engage guests.
Green | Apr 11, 2017
Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings
A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.
Curtain Wall | Apr 11, 2017
Masters of geometry
Three firms that specialize in façades that curve, twist, and turn see themselves as artisans of the unthinkable.
Office Buildings | Apr 10, 2017
Innovation lab makes developing eye care solutions a collaborative affair
The Shop East innovation lab presents 13,500 sf of workspace across two floors with an emphasis on collaboration.