28 March 2013
Three concepts shortlisted for proposed redesign of the front of the Bristol Royal Infirmary
Three architects have been shortlisted by University Hospitals
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol) to redevelop the front of
the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). The shortlist of three was
chosen from a group of six architects and artists who put forward
concept designs.
A public open day to view all of the six proposed concepts was
held on 7 March and was attended by around 400 people from across
Bristol.
The six designs were shortlisted to three by a panel overseeing
the project, which includes representatives from UH Bristol, the
Bristol creative community and art consultancy Willis Newson who is
overseeing the commission.
The shortlisted designs are:
1. 'Veil' by Nieto Sobejano,an architectural office established
in Madrid, Spain.
2. 'Vertical Garden' by Tham and Videgard, progressive and
contemporary architects and designers based in Stockholm,
Sweden.
3. 'Light and Air' by Solid Objectives - Idenburg Liu (SO-IL),
an idea-driven design office based in New York, USA.
To shortlist the concepts the panel met with each of the
artists/architects, who presented their designs and answered
questions about how the design would be implemented. Each member of
the panel scored the designs based on how closely they matched the
selection criteria outlined in the brief and how well the
artists/architects responded to their questions. These scores were
then collated into a final consensus score. Feedback from the
public open day and an online poll was factored into the scoring
matrix.
Robert Woolley, Chief Executive of UH Bristol, said: "The range
of reactions we received on each of the concepts were very helpful
in the decision-making process. We used this feedback to help shape
the questions we asked the artists and architects.
"The results from the public poll were taken into account in the
second of our scoring criteria, which was to 'create a hospital
façade that is non-threatening and welcoming', on the basis that
this was an area that the public are well placed to
judge.
"Existing proposals for the front of the BRI include the
replacement of all of the windows as well as some necessary
structural work, but this project provides an exciting opportunity
to see how much more we can do to improve the appearance of the
BRI.
"We are delighted to be working with such high calibre
designers."
The refurbishment of the front of the BRI forms part of a wider
programme of work currently underway across the hospital site that
incorporates a new ward block, helipad and Welcome Centre, due to
be completed in 2014.
The shortlisted concepts will now be expanded and presented to
the panel and Trust Board in July 2013, when a final decision will
be made. Further opportunities for public engagement activities are
being considered for this final part of the process.
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