Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Arts complex on quay wins architecture prize
AN arts complex in Somerset has been recognised at Britain’s top architecture awards.
East Quay in Watchet was among the projects honoured by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba).
The social enterprise Onion Collective won the client of the year award for East Quay in Somerset.
East Quay contains a gallery, artist studios, education space, restaurant and accommodation pods set on the harbourside in Watchet.
Judges noted that the completion of East Quay, over an eight-year period, was testament to the concerted efforts of Onion Collective and local people – schools, social clubs, community groups and businesses – who were engaged in its development. The project has also initiated wider regeneration of the harbour town.
A retirement day centre in London was given the top prize of being the UK’s best new building for being a “place of joy and inspiration”.
The John Morden Centre, which was designed by Mae, is the winner of the Riba Stirling Prize 2023.
The centre provides care for the residents of the charity Morden College.
It uses existing buildings on the Grade I-listed college grounds, including an almshouse and chapel, both attributed to St Paul’s Cathedral architect Sir Christopher Wren.
Speaking on behalf of the Riba Stirling Prize jury, architect Ellen van Loon, said: “The John Morden Centre is a place of joy and inspiration.
“It sensitively and seamlessly integrates medical facilities and social spaces, delivering a bold and hopeful model for the design of health and care centres for the elderly.”
Also announced as a winner was Houlton School in Warwickshire by van Heyningen & Haward Architects’ (vHH) for the inaugural Riba Reinvention gong.