A special moment in the city
AL_A for Victoria and Albert Museum
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 4,501m²
Every so often an architect, site and client create a special moment in the city. The new courtyard, café, shop and gallery of the Exhibition Road Quarter is such a place. Significant alteration to a grade I listed screen opens the V&A to the Science and Natural History Museums. A constrained site is manipulated, carved and folded to overcome difficulties of topography, entry and the scale of gallery space to be provided.
Surfaces roll, kink and step to create a welcoming sequence. The free-flowing architecture is at peace with the intricacies of the plan and in comfortable contrast to the buildings that hold its edges. Materials are handled with aplomb: ceramics to the court and café roof, timber floors and a carefully chosen grey in the galleries. The deep black stair in gloss and matt finishes is a joy.
Joint Building of the Year sponsored by Artifice Press
See more winners in the RIBA Regional Awards – London: Arts