06 March 2013
Have your say on a new look Bristol Royal Infirmary
The Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) - once voted one of the
ugliest buildings in Bristol - is set for a makeover. Proposals for
the front of the BRI will include the replacement of all of the
windows as well as some necessary structural work but the scheme
will also include an exciting new look for the façade. Since the
end of last year, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
(UH Bristol) has been working with six international
artists/architects on design concepts to improve the appearance of
the BRI Queen's Building.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to see and
comment on the designs at UH Bristol's Education and Research
Centre (Lecture Theatre 1), Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol,
BS2 8AE from 10am until 7pm on Thursday 7 March.
The refurbishment of the front of the Queen's Building forms
part of a wider programme of work currently underway across the BRI
that incorporates a new ward block, helipad and Welcome Centre, due
to be completed in 2014.
Robert Woolley, chief executive of UH Bristol, said: "I am
really excited to have got international designers of this calibre
giving us their ideas for changing the look of the BRI. I hope
members of the public and our staff will tell us what they think of
the different designs.
"We have long recognised that the appearance of BRI is not
one that reflects the quality of care we give, and the
redevelopment project presents the opportunity to create a more
positive first impression whether people are coming to the hospital
or travelling through Bristol.
"As part of our major estate investment across the Trust the BRI
frontage will be updated with new windows and receive a face-lift
to improve its energy efficiency and sustainability but also its
overall appearance.
"We are looking for innovative designs for a hospital frontage
that is welcoming for patients and visitors, reflects the excellent
care that is delivered inside and which Bristolians can truly be
proud of."
The six proposed designs will be shortlisted to a maximum of
three by a panel overseeing the project, which includes
representatives from UH Bristol and the Bristol creative community.
Art consultancy Willis Newson is overseeing the commission. The
shortlisted artists/architects will each expand their concept
designs, which will then be presented to the panel and Trust board
in July 2013 when a decision will be made.
The selected artists/architects will work in collaboration with
CODA Architects, lead designers for the redevelopment.
Craig Bennett for CODA Architects, said: "The challenge for the
appointed artist or architect will be to explore how the existing
design could be taken to the next level aesthetically, while
meeting all the technical, environmental and maintenance
considerations. It is a really exciting project."
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