The Whitworth Art Gallery by MUMA wins the Brick Development Association's annual Brick Awards, followed by accolades also for Anderson Bell + Christie, Hall McKnight and Tsuruta Architects
SUPREME AWARD and BEST PUBLIC & EDUCATION BUILDING
The Whitworth, University of Manchester by MUMA
The judges of the Brick Development Associations's annual Brick Awards have selected the refurbishment of The Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester by MUMA as the Supreme Award winner for 2015. The building was chosen for its 'extraordinary high standard of workmanship and detail' in its brickwork, both externally and internally. The building was praised by the judges on multiple levels: firstly for uniting academic life with public space, secondly for rationalising the original galleries and thirdly for using brick to help the building connect seamlessly with the architectural context of Manchester. Situated within a public park, the gallery was also awarded with Best Public & Education Building Award.
The judges would like to congratulate MUMA, commenting: 'The public space demonstrates a masterful grasp of proportions, design and scale. The private garden adjoining a busy street is an oasis of calm and contemplation. The proportions of the external spaces are immensely effective, and help give the building a calmness and richness. The building is unashamedly modern but because of the use of brick and scale, it fits into the architectural context of Manchester. The Whitworth refurbishment and extension has tremendous architectural quality and its use of brick as an ornamental narrative device as well as a robust skin is exceptional. The level of finesse in the brick detailing, coursing, jointing and patterning demonstrates a resurgent craft approach to building that is worthy of celebration across the whole construction industry.'
Now in its 39th year, the Brick Development Association's Brick Awards celebrate the best and most innovative use of brick in architecture over the past year. Click through our gallery to discover how brick is being celebrated by a new generation of architects.
Click through the slideshow below for the rest of the award winners.
For more information please visit: www.brick.org.uk