Attention to detail is superb: every element was considered and designed
FaulknerBrowns Architects for South Tyneside Council / Muse Developments
Contract value: £13.5m
GIA: 3,476m²
The Word is an outstanding public sector library culturally, socially and architecturally. It is close to the historic Old Town Hall and St Hilda’s Church in the heart of South Shields adjacent to the south bank of the Tyne – an urban area undergoing considerable regeneration. Exploration, interaction and socialisation are positively encouraged.
The pure form of the building sits well in the overall masterplan of the square, encouraging people into and through the building. The atrium allows the visitor to orientate themselves and see the activities on all floors. This is complemented with intimate ‘human scale’ spaces dotted around the building. The attention to detail is superb: every element was considered and designed. Overall, this is an outstanding work both architecturally and in urban design terms.
Regional Building of the Year