Royal Institute Of British Architects - East Region

 

To celebrate 10 years of its regional Spirit of Ingenuity Awards, the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) announced its East of England ‘Building of the Decade’ at a recent awards ceremony. This surprise accolade went to the Salvation Army Citadel in Chelmsford, designed by Hudson Architects of Norwich.
 
 
 salvat_arm.jpg
 
 
Salvation Army Citadel, Chelmsford
Client: The Salvation Army
Architect: Hudson Architects, Norwich
Photographer: Keith Collie
 
 
 
 
 
 
The RIBA East Building of the Decade was selected from winning schemes spanning the past 10 years and proved a particularly difficult task for the judging panel. The Salvation Army project won the RIBA East Building of the Year Award in 2009.
 
Peter Goodwin, Jury Chairman and director of Chambers Goodwin & Partners, Rickmansworth, said, “Now occupied for some 3 years, this dramatic building located on a bland arterial road still shocks as it comes into view. There is something really special about this design which is innovative, stark and yet welcoming and enticing. With walls and roof built of laminated solid timber panels like a pack of cards – still a rarity over here – and clad in zinc and laminate board, it is in complete contrast to its Victorian surroundings. The inside spaces – particularly the foyer and worship area – are modern and Spartan and yet they have real character and a strong sense of spirituality. Those running the church on a daily basis are full of enthusiasm and praise.”
 
“The RIBA East Jury teams since 2002 have seen nothing else like it in their visits. Virtually all those canvassed gave it their vote for one of the best 3 buildings they had visited for the RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards.  It is also a building that serves its community and makes a real difference to ordinary peoples’ lives.”

     
   
   
 
  Link to this article:
(Copy and paste the following code to your web page.)
 
 

PIR Sustainable Construction Magazine - More Articles