Archinect - News

WilkinsonEyre to design experiential $268 million London Tunnels makeover

2023-09-28T19:40:00-04:00

WilkinsonEyre has been announced as the architects of a new $268 million adaptive reuse plan that will overhaul a World War II era bomb shelter underneath High Holborn, London into a high-tech immersive tourist destination.

The plan was made possible after the government-run tunnels were made public for the first time in 70 years. Their clients, The London Tunnels Ltd., purchased the nearly mile-long tract with designs on transforming it into a digital experience-laden cavern with the potential for a bar space, restaurant, and exhibits for upwards of two million visitors per year.

The firm’s London Director, Paul Baker, said: “These secret spaces present the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories that helped shape the 20th century, alongside awe-inspiring digital immersive experiences.”

Image: DBOX courtesy of WilkinsonEyre

WilkinsonEyre’s makeover of the 7.6 meter (24.9 foot)-wide spaces will include installing curved screens, scent-emitting technology, a system of pinpoint audio...

'Here, the architecture wins': Rowan Moore on the inside-out quality of the newly-completed Battersea Power Station

2022-10-11T09:00:00-04:00

The project as whole also creates a highly managed territory of the sort that you tend to get in single-owner developments which, despite some funky moves by a Frank Gehry-designed apartment block, is fundamentally predictable. It threatens to cage the beast that is Gilbert Scott’s masterpiece, as might the array of retail logos inside. But, between the blandscape outside and the brandscape within, the power station is cussed enough to assert its own character.

The £9 billion final boss of Greater London adaptive reuse projects (along with the Barbican) is a story of inside and out for Moore, who sees the program’s housing element as an “awkward” mismatch when compared to WilkinsonEyre’s tastefully “sober” and restrained interior retail spaces that come dotted with “outbreaks of cautious fantasy.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WilkinsonEyre (@wilkinsoneyre)

The Observer critic also opined that it does offer a “striking contrast” to the mixed architecture of nearby Vauxhall and Nine Elms, adding its survival can be attributed to the growing influence of heritage considerations in British planning schemes. “If only some of the thoughtfulness applied to old buildings could be applied to the planning of new ones,” he lamented, “we might be getting somewhere.”

WilkinsonEyre's next office project promises a range of amenities in downtown Melbourne

2022-08-22T13:20:00-04:00

WilkinsonEyre has released updated renderings of their winning conceptual design for an office project in Melbourne’s central business district called 600 Collins.

Commissioned by Hines, the 180-meter-tall (590-foot) development will comprise a total of 60,000 square feet of “state-of-the-art collaborative office spaces” developed with the help of Architectus to “transform Melbourne into a dynamic and stimulating place to work and meet, and from where you can enjoy the best of the city.”

Image courtesy WilkinsonEyre

According to WilkinsonEyre's project announcement: “The building will deliver amenity provisions on levels not yet seen in Melbourne, including premium F&B offerings, rooftop terraces, conference and collaboration zones, wellness center, and open green spaces.” The building will be situated on a 70-meter-wide (229-foot) plot along Collins Street and be connected to nearby transit nodes Spencer Street and Southern Cross Station to offer itself to workers as one of Melbourn...

Citigroup taps WilkinsonEyre to transform its aging 25 Canada Square headquarters

2022-01-28T05:00:00-05:00

An aging financial relic in London’s Canary Wharf is about to become the capital city’s next high-profile retrofit project thanks to a new plan from WilkinsonEyre.

Architects’ Journal UK is reporting that the firm will lead a massive retrofit of the 21-year-old structure after the financial house has apparently opted away from its original demolition plans.

The need for more adaptive reuse efforts has been much publicized of late, especially in London, where major projects like the Barbican Centre redesign and RIBA’s recently-announced Portland Place overhaul establish high-profile showcases. The decision on Citigroup’s part is being framed as a significant victory for AR proponents across the country.

WilkinsonEyre’s efforts will involve the reuse of over 100,000 tonnes of embodied carbon in the transformation of Cesar Pelli’s original 1.2-million-square-foot structure into a more flexible modern office space that is more in tune with the post-pandemic demands on workers. Offices...

WilkinsonEyre founder Chris Wilkinson dies at age 76

2021-12-16T12:12:00-05:00

WilkinsonEyre co-founder and leading British architect Chris Wilkinson has passed away at age 76 according to a statement released by the firm. Wilkinson’s firm became the first practice to win the RIBA Stirling Prize in two consecutive years, with their Magna Centre in 2001 and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in 2002.

Magna Centre by WilkinsonEyre

Wilkinson founded Chris Wilkinson Architects in 1983 having previously worked with leading architects Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, and Michael Hopkins. In 1987, he formed a partnership with Jim Eyre, leading to the establishing of WilkinsonEyre in 1999.

One Barangaroo by WilkinsonEyre

Over the past 22 years, the firm has accumulated a portfolio of acclaimed works, including the Gasholders in London, the Guangzhou International Finance Center in China, and the One Barangaroo tower in Sydney. His numerous collaborations with British inventor James Dyson included the design of the Dyson Campus Expansion.

Guangzhou International Finance ...

Sydney's tallest tower, One Barangaroo, wins Emporis Skyscraper Award

2021-09-23T15:15:00-04:00

The top ten skyscrapers in the world have been announced as part of the annual Emporis Skyscraper Awards, with One Barangaroo in Sydney, Australia taking the top spot.

This is the first time in the more than 20-year-long history of the awards that the prize has gone to an Australian building. The 890-foot-tall, 71-story skyscraper, designed by British firm WilkinsonEyre, is the tallest building in Sydney and fourth tallest in Australia. It offers expansive views of Sydney Harbor and the Opera House.

As per the award announcement: “According to the jury, the extravagant design of One Barangaroo’s exterior façade was the deciding factor for the building coming in at first place. It is inspired by natural shapes and resembles three petals rising slightly twisted into the sky. The magnificent tower stands on a four-story high podium, the outer walls of which are decorated with a mantle of marble. In addition to a casino, apartments and restaurants, the building also houses a luxury si...

Wilkinson Eyre, designers of Rio's biggest Olympic stadium, reflect on the Games' architectural legacy

2016-09-14T05:25:00-04:00

Following the Olympics’ closing ceremony, and as September’s Paralympic Games continue, international attention has begun to shift to the future of Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic sites. These buildings must be built to evolve to accommodate Paralympic and future athletes, and the success of this change will set the precedent for Rio’s regeneration in the long term.

I spoke to Sam Wright of WilkinsonEyre, lead of their sports architecture team, about the firm’s Areanas Cariocas project: an incredible 400m long space for 3 venues and 36,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium at the Rio site. Having utilised his knowledge from the firm’s creation of London’s 2012 Olympic basketball arena, Wright spoke to me about the pressures and privileges of designing this colossal building, and to have, consequently, a huge involvement in the planning of Rio 2016 writ large and the city’s regeneration plan overall.

What have you learned from your involvement in the London 2012 Legacy that has inform...

RIBA 2016 Stirling Prize Shortlist announced: includes Herzog & de Meuron, Wilkinson Eyre

2016-07-13T19:02:00-04:00

What does it take for a project to transcend from merely eye-catching architecture to a lasting, inspirational, nationally acclaimed building? The RIBA Stirling Prize, which awards the UK's best new building each year, has narrowed 2016's contenders down to a shortlist of six (two of which, the Weston Library by Wilkinson Eyre and Loyn & Co's Inside Outside House, were predicted for this list by Archinect's Ellen Hancock), which it announced today.

The list follows the National Awards and London Awards earlier this year, and comprises of some “usual suspects” shortlisted in previous years, as well as some newcomers; including previous winners Wilkinson Eyre and Herzog & de Meuron, and returning nominees Reiach and Hall, Caruso St John, and dRMM.

Nominees Michael Laird Architects and Loyn & Co Architects are relative newcomers, bringing (respectively) an education project and a private residence to the shortlist—the first private home to be nominated in 15 years. This year’s shortlist ...

Our predictions for the Stirling Prize 2016 nominees

2016-07-13T03:45:00-04:00

It’s that time of year again…On Thursday 14th July the nominees for this years Stirling Prize will be announced. For anyone who doesn’t know the UK’s most prestigious award, it was founded in 1996 and recognises “the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture in the past year.”

Although the future of the industry is somewhat uncertain following the EU referendum a few weeks ago, firms have been optimistic; confident in their innovative skill and entrepreneurial ability to tackle the potential problems ahead.

Looking back over completed projects from the last year, it is clear to see why. It has been a particularly impressive year for UK projects - it was no mean feat selecting our predictions for the six nominations.

AHMM - 61 Oxford Street
Last year AHMM took first place for Burntwood School in Wandsworth. This year we think they may have a chance with 61 Oxford Street, a distinctive and contemporary landmark that takes inspirati...

Crossrail unveils images of new Elizabeth line stations

2016-05-12T12:23:00-04:00

The Elizabeth line will link London and the South East from Reading to Heathrow with 10 new stations and upgrades to 30 existing stations.

Currently Europe's largest infrastructure project the £14.8 billion scheme began in Canary Wharf in 2009 and is now 75% complete. Services will begin in 2018.

Although the stations will have recognisable features uniting them; Crossrail have said that each station will have it's own distinctive character that reflects the heritage and local culture of the area.

The stations have been specifically designed to make travel as easy as possible with accessibility, comfort and safety in mind.

Mike Brown MVO, London's Transport Commissioner, said: “The TfL-run Elizabeth line will transform travel across London, reducing journey times, relieving congestion on the Tube network, and radically improving step-free access with brand new accessible stations. This exhibition will enable customers to really start to see what their new stations will look like whe...

Introducing the 2016 AZ Awards jury members

2016-02-19T13:40:00-05:00

Leading Canadian contemporary architecture publication Azure Magazine is gearing up for another year of the AZ Awards. The annual awards give today's architects, practices, manufacturers, and students a chance to get their best work widely recognized. All designers of all design disciplines are invited to compete — you never know, you might win an award! If you didn't already submit, you have until next Friday, February 26 (the new extended deadline).

Recently, Azure Magazine revealed the five jury members you'll have to impress for the 2016 competition. They are:

Chris Wilkinson, founding principal of Wilkinson Eyre
Anna Simone, co-founder and partner of Cecconi Simone
Thomas L. Woltz, principal of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
John Tong, founder and lead designer of +tongtong, formerly of 3rd Uncle Design
Omer Arbel, creative director of Bocci

Read more about the jury here. To submit and find out more about the AZ Awards, visit awards.azuremagazine.com.

...

Wilkinson Eyre-renovated Weston Library at Oxford now reopened

2015-03-26T13:58:00-04:00

Beginning as the New Bodleian Library, the Weston Library at Oxford University was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and constructed in the 1930s. Although construction finished in 1940, wartime purposes delayed the building's official opening in 1946. For the most part, the building remained unaltered other than the addition of the Indian Institute as a south-facing roof extension in 1966-69 by architect Robert Potter and other minor changes in 2010. Then in 2011, London-based Wilkinson Eyre Architects began renovating the Grade II building, which reopened to the public this past weekend.

The £80 million redesign is part of the Bodleian's efforts to better preserve -- and promote -- their vast special collection of books, manuscripts, and other historical objects. In their redesign, Wilkinson Eyre vied to revamp the building's infrastructure while respecting its heritage. As if the collections weren't already enough to gaze in awe at, Wilkinson Eyre also added new reading rooms, r...

Cooled Conservatories, Gardens by the Bay wins 2013 RIBA Lubetkin Prize

2013-09-26T19:59:00-04:00

Cooled Conservatories, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore by London-based Wilkinson Eyre Architects is the winner of the 2013 RIBA Lubetkin Prize for the best new international building. This is the second year running for Wilkinson Eyre, who also won the prize last year for Guangzhou International Finance Center in China.

Previously: 2013 RIBA Lubetkin Prize Shortlists Three International Buildings

Also announced today: RIBA Stirling Prize 2013 goes to Astley Castle by Witherford Watson Mann Architects

Guangzhou International Finance Center Wins 2012 RIBA Lubetkin Prize

2012-10-15T15:43:00-04:00

Guangzhou International Finance Center in China by London-based Wilkinson Eyre Architects has won the RIBA 2012 Lubetkin Prize for the best new international building. Now in its sixth year, the RIBA Lubetkin Prize is awarded to the architects of the best new building outside the European Union.

A neatly choreographed landscape of British power

2012-04-27T17:22:00-04:00

As a measure of the influence of all these ships, one need only look at the cities in which these museums are sited: London, Portsmouth, Southampton, Belfast, Bristol. All have been shaped – literally as well as metaphorically – by their seafaring pasts

Steve Rose writes about a trio of museums celebrating Britain's nautical history; The Cutty Sark conservation project, the Mary Rose Museum and Southampton's SeaCity.

The first, a newly restored Cutty Sark can be found at its new home in Greenwich, designed by Grimshaw Architects. Although some decried the fact that the ship is no longer a ship, afloat, a combination of the demands of preservation and a need to earn a profit led Grimshaw Architects to raise the ship three meters up in the air and enclose it in a glass skirt/ceiling. The later two museums have been designed by Wilkinson Eyre and are dedicated to Henry VIII's famed flagship and Southampton's Titanic connections, respectively.

London to get cable car crossing River Thames

2011-04-19T03:43:00-04:00

The new 1.1-kilometer (0.68 miles) route will link the Greenwich Peninsula next to the O2 Arena with the Royal Docks on the north bank of the Thames and will cost an estimated £40 million ($65 million)... Transport for London (TfL) are hoping that building work on what will be the first urban transport system of its kind in the UK will be completed in time for the opening of the London 2012 Olympics on July 27.

The line is expected to take 2,500 per hour 300 feet above the River Thames with an a trip lasting just 5 minutes. Design by Wilkinson Eyre, of Gateshead Bridge and Guangzhou International Finance Centre fame, will be constructed by Mace, who's known for projects such as the London Eye and the Shard.