Plymouth architecture
A visitor to Plymouth would do well to take a look outside of the city centre to see some of the RIBA award-winning architecture erected over recent years. The Sainsbury's Supermarket (just off the A38 on the east of the city) is a good example - a utilitarian building designed with flare that enlivens its surroundings with its use of public space as well as the building itself regardless of the everyday use it is put to. The Western Morning News building, though again out of the centre (off the A386 towards the airport) is well worth a visit. Easily viewed, and like a great ship docked in an urban setting, its glazed façade gives fascinating views of the newspapers being printed daily. Finally, sited on reclaimed land overlooking the river Plym, the stunning Theatre Royal Production and Education Centre has given a kick-start to regeneration in this area. Occupying a prominent waterfront site, the building form is taken from the oil silos lining this part of the river, the land on which it is built is all reclaimed. The project sports a man-made rocky beach with the buildings apparently washed up by the tide.
Useful links:
Western Morning News
Theatre Royal
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