Birmingham architecture
The breadth of RIBA award-winning architecture in Birmingham is great and the buildings enormously varied. The centrally located Selfridges is spectacular - truly a new kind of department store with a totally futuristic look. Its design is provocative, its organic shape and curving surfaces an unmissable feature of the new cityscape. Then there is the revamped Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre that, to mark the Hippodrome's centenary, has provided the city with a first class performing arts amenity. The Birmingham School of Art, now part of the University of Central England, is an imaginative renovation paying tribute to the original design, keeping unique features such as a continuous plinth band of floral tilework around the exterior, as well as the original railings. Another example of blending old and new can be found at the School of Jewellery (part of the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design) right in the centre of the city's famous 'Jewellery Quarter'. Maintaining the original façade from 1890, the interior has been completely rebuilt - creating inspirational surroundings for those within. Finally, don’t miss the stunning glass-clad Symphony Hall (which opened in 1991) situated by the International Convention Centre. It was instantly acknowledged both as the UK's finest concert hall and one of the best in the world the moment it opened.
Useful links:
Selfridges
Hippodrome Theatre
School of Jewellery
Wherever possible we have tried to choose schemes that are available for the general public to appreciate, that are near to one another, and can be enjoyed on foot. There are other RIBA award-winning buildings at this destination.
www.architecture.com has details of all nationally awarded winners since 2002.
Related links