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Dateline: 4th July, 2008
Oxford Arts Centre Wins RIBA Award A new theatre and arts centre in north Oxford is one of Britain’s best new buildings, according to the Royal Institute of British Architects. The North Wall, converted from a former Victorian swimming pool by architects Haworth Tompkins, has won a prestigious RIBA award. The building has already won three design honours: a national Civic Trust award in February and a regional RIBA award at the end of May, plus an Oxford Preservation Trust award last year. The annual RIBA Awards are given to buildings which show outstanding architectural design, and make a substantial contribution to the local environment. The North Wall is one of only sixteen UK buildings which won national awards and ranks alongside the new St Pancras international station, The Royal Festival Hall and Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. RIBA judges described The North Wall as exemplary in design and execution: “Clarity of concept is matched by inventive and direct use of materials, together with careful integration of structure and services – not least in the way the theatres stalls occupy the old swimming pool.” The Centre houses a flexible 300 seat theatre, a rehearsal space, dance studio and art gallery. The design unites an ancient stone boundary wall, a grade 2 listed former Victorian swimming pool and a new building. Vernacular forms, contemporary detailing and traditional but unfamiliar materials emphasise the building's role as a place for innovation and creativity within a sensitive historic environment. Other theatrical buildings honoured in the Awards are the Pier Arts Centre (Stromness, Orkney), the Royal Festival Hall, St Marylebone Church of England School Performing Arts Facility and the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. Recognised in the international section was the Royal Playhouse, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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