Competitions 12/08
We were shortlisted for competitions in Dresden and Hamburg. We are working with our sister offices in each city respectively.
AIB Headquarters 11/08
A successful High Court legal action was brought against Dublin Docklands Development Corporation resulting in the 40,000m2 AIB HQ being cancelled as it was about to go to construction phase.
Wood Lane Station 10/08
Wood Lane Station on the Hammersmith & City Line opposite the BBC will be opening this month. The design team was led by Gordon Talbot with Anthony Summers, Mark Bagguley, Stefan Lengen, Gordon Swapp, and Jim Corbett.
"poiesis in architecture" 10/08
Ian Ritchie Architects exhibition "poiesis in architecture" at Liverpool University opened with party on 2nd October and to the public from 3rd October and will run until January 16th 2009.
Ian Ritchie Liverpool University Lecture 10/08
Ian Ritchie will be delivering a lecture at Liverpool University in the evening of Wednesday, December 3rd 2008.
Dublin 10/08
Mountbrook Homes have appointed us to prepare designs for a major development in Dublin.
Chichester Festival Theatre 09/08
We have been appointed to prepare a feasibility study on the refurbishment and potential expansion of the Grade II* Powell and Moya designed Chichester Festival Theatre.
Lambeth College Hotel 09/08
Following a successful public inquiry, Berkeley Homes were granted planning permission to convert the Lambeth College building by Tower Bridge into a 'boutique' hotel, maintaining Ian Ritchie Architects' 100% record in securing planning permission for every project that it has designed and submitted for permission in the UK and Europe.
New Staff; April - August 2008 08/08
Paul Byrne, Laurenz Müller, Erik Havadi
Paul Byrne graduated from the Kent Institute of Art and Design in 1997. He joined the practice in April 2008 on his return from Hong Kong and Australia. Laurenz Müller graduated from TU Dresden and completed a Masters at TUDelft, Netherlands in 2007 and joined us in July 2008 having previously worked on projects in Porto, Portugal. Erik Havadi graduated from Budapest University of Technology and Economics in 2003 and also gained a Masters at TU Delft in 2004. He joined the practice in August 2008 and has been working in London for the past three years, prior to which he was based in Antwerp and Amsterdam.
RCE 1851 08/08
Ian has been member of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851's selection panel for its Research Fellowships in The Built Environment' for the past few years and, also since 2006, its Research Fellowships in Design.
The 2008 Research Fellowships is currently being reviewed by the panel of Alan Baxter, Dr Joanna Kennedy, Lord Lindley and Ian. The Research Fellowships are worth £60,000 over two years.
The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 was established in 1850 by Her Majesty Queen Victoria to mastermind the Great Exhibition. Prince Albert was its President and took personal charge of the whole complex operation.
It was so successful on many levels, including financially. Its legacy enables the RCE 1851 to annually give £1.6m.
A century and a half on, the Commission's educational programme perpetuates the Great Exhibition's original vision.
It has seen hundreds of Fellows go on to excel in science and engineering, and more recently design. There have been dozens of Nobel Prize winners among them.
RSC 08/08
Ian Ritchie and Jocelyne Van den Bossche will be participating in the RSC International Council Meeting 10-12 September in Stratford - upon - Avon
USA Columbia University 08/08
Ian Ritchie will again be contributing to President Lee Bollinger's Manhattanville Ad Hoc Committee in October and November which is critically reflecting upon the evolving Renzo Piano's Masterplan which was commissioned by Columbia University for its significant expansion north into Manhattanville, a neighbourhood bordered on the south by Morningside Heights on the west by the Hudson River, on the east by Harlem and on the north by Hamilton Heights.
Scotland Lectures 08/08
Ian Ritchie will be giving lectures in Scotland - at Aberdeen University and Edinburgh University during the coming academic year.
USA Lecture 08/08
Forthcoming lectures being given by Ian Ritchie include the annual key note lecture at USC Los Angeles.
"This Land is OUR Land... GREENING Architecture, Ethics and the Environment".
A Key-Note Lecture exploring the pioneering work of our practice and to provoke meaningful reflection among USC students and professionals.
It will be given in the USC Boavard Auditorium to an audience of 1200 on January 21st 2009.
New Projects 08/08
Dublin
A planning application was submitted on behalf of Royceton for an office building in Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA).
Olympic Village
The press has consistently identified our practice as one of the architects designing the Olympic Village. Regrettably, in part due to our workload we have declined Bovis Lend Lease's invitation.
Football Facilities
We have been shortlisted for Football Changing Facilities on an epic scale.
A choice of architect will be taken in November.
St Petersburg
Following an interview in London, we have been shortlisted for a major masterplanning project in St Petersburg. We attended a second interview in Helsinki earlier this month with Arup. WES, Hamburg, is the landscape member of our team.
Furniture Design
We have been commissioned to design new range of furniture through one of office projects which is Westminster. We have, with our client's approval, selected Koleksiyon as our industrial partner.
Ironmongery Design
A full range of ironmongery is being developed with IZE for a London office project.
Task Lamp
We have been designing alongside Ulrike Brandi Licht, Hamburg, a new high performance task lamp. We are at the advanced prototype stage and look foreward to seeing it into production during 2009.
Liverpool Exhibition
Poïesis in Architecture
This exhibition captures the essence from 20 international projects of Ian Ritchie Architects through poetry, drawing, photography, models, components, materials and books.
The exhibition is at the University of Liverpool, Department of Architecture, Leverhulme Building, Abercromby Square from 3rd October 2008 to 16th January 2009. Opening night party is 2nd October.
Building Physics
We are pleased to report that the Visiting Professors in Building Physics sponsored jointly by the Royal Academy of Engineering, Ove Arup Foundation, Buro Happold, Hoare Lea, Max Fordham & Partners, DSSR and Ian Ritchie Architects has been very successfully implemented at Bristol, Cambridge and Sheffield universities. There is a strong possibility that a further university will be funded this coming academic year, and two more in 2009.
Further information on this initiative can be obtained from ian.bowbrick@raeng.org.uk
Staff August 08/08
Jan Braker
After ten years with us, Jan Braker has returned to his home city of Hamburg to help lead a new young practice. Jan will continue to help us on North House project. Jan's last project was to oversee the office extension and new workshop facilities, while monitoring Umut Yamac.
Umut Yamac
Umut is returning to the Bartlett UCL after being offered the chance to do a Masters. He completed the workshop project under the guidance of Jan Braker enabling him to complete his Part III.
Lay Mon
Lay Mon, after five years with us, is moving to a smaller practice where she will have more opportunities to engage with the building process more directly enabling her to be better prepared for her Part III.
We wish them all every success.
Liverpool Exhibition 08/08
Poïesis in Architecture
This exhibition captures the essence from 20 international projects of Ian Ritchie Architects through poetry, drawing, photography, models, components, materials and books.
The exhibition is at the University of Liverpool, Department of Architecture, Leverhulme Building, Abercromby Square from 3rd October 2008 to 16th January 2009. Opening night party is 2nd October.
Purfleet Thames Gateway 07/08
Purfleet, Cory's Wharf, a 700 metre long Thames-side mixed use development, was granted Reserved Matters Approval by the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation. The approved scheme, which we have designed for Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd., and consists of extensive public landscape and play areas, and a riverside walk surrounding buildings from 3 storeys to 18 storeys tall which contain 502 residential units and 1398 square meters A1 / A3 use.
A related full planning application proposing a further 157 residential units at the eastern end of the site is expected to be decided by the Development Corporation in the very near future.
King Solomon Academy Westminster 07/08
Site works have commenced on this project which is scheduled to be largely completed by September 2010 for a construction cost of £17million. The project involves the renovation of Leonard Mannasseh's original Grade II* School in Penfold Street, and adding new nursery, primary and secondary teaching spaces and dance/performance facilities.
Wood Lane Underground Station 07/08
The station, on the Hammersmith & City Line opposite the BBC's main entrance, is now in its final weeks of construction and is schedule to open to the public this autumn. It makes extensive use of stainless steel for the walls and gold anodised aluminium for platform and ticket hall ceilings. The design team has been led by Gordon Talbot, with Mark Baggueley and Stefan Lengen with Waterman Burrow Crocker. The contractor is Costains.
Shakespeare Avon Bridge 07/08
Press Release from Ian Ritchie Architects
Dated 21st July 2008
In response to the World Class Stratford-upon-Avon Press Release 15.07.08
Withdrawal of the Avon Bridge Project from the World Class Stratford-upon-Avon programme.
In a press release dated 15.07.2008, Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council and Advantage West Midlands announced the withdrawal of the Avon Bridge project due to spiraling cost.
As lead designers of the bridge, we must refute this statement.
If we adhere to the original brief and budget, the bridge remains realizable. Delays and inflation have increased costs of the stainless steel bridge by approximately £600,000, not 1.3million.
In the latest stages of the design development, our response to counteract inflation and bring the project back within budget has remained unanswered. Perhaps private sponsorship could have been sought if neither the County nor District could fund the cost of the delays.
It also appears that Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council and Advantage West Midlands have added costs which were not originally identified as part of the cost of the bridge. These added costs should be considered within the overall budget of the World Class Stratford programme.
We cannot reconcile the cost put forward by the authorities.
It is too easy to hide behind figures.
The cancellation of the Avon Bridge Project has more to do with local politics than costs.
The funding of the programme is for a World Class Stratford.
The bridge is the cornerstone of the programme, it will enhance and reinforce town, park and river links and it is an invitation to increase the pleasure of walking and cycling in and around the town.
Rearranging the flower beds in Bancroft Gardens is simply not a world class project!
The bridge is also recognition by the authorities of the pivotal economic importance of Shakespeare and of the Royal Shakespeare Company which continues to promote and celebrate his work. The location of the new bridge will allow many more people to enjoy the riverside walkways alongside the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
It is deeply regrettable that Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council and Advantage West Midlands have bowed to nimbyism. We ask them to reconsider their decision and not to lose sight of their international agenda and commitment and responsibility.
We keep the hope alive that in the not too distant future, the bridge will become a reality and will be adopted and celebrated by many.
Ian Ritchie Architects
21st July 2008
Press release from Warwickshire County Council
Dated 15th July 2008
Avon bridge project withdrawn as construction estimates spiral
Plans to build a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Avon in Stratford have been withdrawn following a budget review which highlighted substantially increased costs for the project. However, the original funding provided for the bridge remains available to deliver other elements of the World Class Stratford project.
The decision was reached jointly by Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council and Advantage West Midlands.
"A budget review commissioned as part of the County Council's ongoing design development of the bridge has highlighted a significant increase in costs since the original estimate of £2 million was established in 2005. That figure has now increased to £3.3 million due to a combination of factors including the increased world price of steel, the need for additional flood mitigation measures and general construction sector super-inflation over the past three years," said Cllr Chris Saint, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for Warwickshire County Council.
"Neither the County or District Councils are in a position to fund the shortfall so we have reluctantly decided to remove the bridge from the World Class Stratford programme. The focus will now be on completion of other Phase One elements including the re-landscaping of the Bancroft Gardens, which is well underway, and improvements to the Waterside and Southern Lane area," he added.
Cllr Les Topham, leader of Stratford District Council and chairman of the World Class Stratford Strategy Group said: "Having discussed this at length with colleagues at the County Council and Advantage West Midlands, county council, district council and AWM all agreed to call a halt on the bridge. At £2 million it represented good value for money and would have added to the town's visitor appeal, but we are not able to extend the financial commitment to meet the new estimate.
"With uncertainty over the bridge now removed our priorities will be completion of the existing Phase One project and bringing forward detailed proposals for a Phase Two scheme and funding bid later in the year."
Advantage West Midlands' Partnerships Director, Philip Roberts commented: "AWM had approved funding of £1.8 million towards the original estimate of £2 million, but the additional funding that would be required to meet the increased costs would not deliver additional value for money.
"However, the decision taken by the three partners on the bridge does not diminish our commitment to funding Phase One of World Class Stratford and we are also looking at a number of projects as part of Phase Two. The funds released as a result of this decision will create further opportunities to support this important initiative."
Plans for a new river bridge were originally put forward as part of the Waterfront Masterplan and later adopted within Phase One of World Class Stratford. A design submitted by Ian Ritchie Architects was selected to go forward following a series of public exhibitions. Further community consultation was carried out last December and since then Warwickshire County Council has been preparing detailed studies in readiness for a possible Planning Application.
That process has highlighted the inflated cost of the project which has ultimately resulted in the decision to withdraw it from the World Class Stratford programme. A total of £312,000 has been spent by Warwickshire County Council on the project to date in taking the scheme from initial concept design to a point at which it was ready for planning consideration.
The Visiting Professors in Building Engineering Physics 06/08
Ian Ritchie Architects helped launch this initiative in 2006 alongside The Ove Arup Foundation, The Happold Trust, Hoare Lea, DSSR, and The Royal Academy of Engineering.
It is a programme that is proving itself very successful at the first three universities to receive this sponsorship - Cambridge, Bristol and Sheffield. The programme will expand to further universities this year and over the next few years.
This industry led initiative seeks to direct bright engineers to consider building services as a career option. It achieves this through interaction with senior industrial practitioners who are appointed as Visiting Professors at universities. Each uses their knowledge, skills and experience to inspire, develop and deliver course material, mentor project work, provide careers advice and involve themselves in other related activities at their host university. The initiative has a particular emphasis on achieving sustainability in the built environment, and seeks through a holistic approach to foster a clear understanding of energy efficiency and the key interdisciplinary relationships between engineering systems, envelope and structure, that are at the heart of sustainable building performance and architecture.
Further information on this initiative can be obtained from ian.bowbrick@raeng.org.uk
RA Summer Exhibition 05/08
Ian Ritchie will be exhibiting four etchings at the RA Summer Exhibition 2008: Wood Lane Station, London Underground's new station on the Hammersmith & City Line; The Pearl of The Gulf Monument; A New Anfield Stadium; Oranmore Lands.
Karl Singporewala has had his work 'portentous Progressions' selected for the exhibition. This is the second year running that his work has been accepted.
UK AIA 2008 Awards 05/08
Ian Ritchie Architects have won a UK AIA Award for the RSC Courtyard Theatre. The awards were announced 8th May at the Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London.
Potter's Fields Press Statement 05/08
Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd have issued the following Press Statement:
"From the outset of the project, Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd has always worked closely and constructively with Berkeley Homes. The scheme offers housing, both private and affordable, eleven thousand square metres of public space of which eight thousand square metres is for cultural use such as museums or galleries while ensuring that the entire ground level forms a permeable and public extension to Potter's Fields Park through to the riverside walk. It obtained planning permission in February 2006 following a Public Inquiry at which the Inspector concluded in his report (para. 1140) to the Secretary of State:
"Overall, I consider that the proposals would provide exemplary and world-class architecture on an outstanding and prominent site. The design is one which people would experience with marvel, wonder and delight. It would respect its context, and would provide an outstanding environment in which people could live, work, visit and enjoy. It would also add to London's cultural and social richness. It would add to Potter's Fields Park and the important open spaces which give so much public enjoyment along the banks of the Thames. It would enhance the whole of the Capital, and would give to London an architectural gem for present and future generations to treasure."
It is regrettable that the Leader of Southwark Council never took the opportunity to meet or engage with us, or to discuss in public with us the scheme's planning, architecture and the proposed uses.
The decision by Southwark Council and Berkeley Homes to agree to seek, from other architects, a new design upon the same site, to a very similar brief, is regrettable, This is particularly so as construction of the scheme had already begun. It is difficult to comprehend and is beyond the issue of architecture."
Important note for editors:
None of the buildings are taller than Tower Bridge towers, in fact the tallest is more than 6m lower (20 feet or 2 floors).
The cultural space provision has been part of the scheme since its inception, and the gross internal floor area for the cultural use is 8,122m2 (87,500 square feet) - almost three time the gross floor area of the present Design Museum at Shad Thames. Ian Ritchie Architects brought to the attention of L B Southwark the idea of a cultural use on this site not only with this scheme but as far back as 1995 with the Royal Opera House proposal.
Dublin Bank HQ 04/08
Ian Ritchie Architects have been successful in a limited invited competition for the design competition of a significant HQ office development on the north bank of the River Liffey. As a result, our client, Royceton has been able to secure the development of the new Allied Irish Bank HQ building in Dublin. It represents the largest ever letting agreement in Ireland.
Trip to Athens 03/08
Ian Ritchie Architects' annual 'works outing' is to Athens in March to look at the effect that hosting the Olympic Games has on a city, and to the Athletes' Village in connection with our commission from Bovis Lend Lease for the London Olympics.
Lectures 03/08
Ian Ritchie will give the RIBA West Midlands lecture on European Second Cities on Tuesday 4th March in Birmingham.
He will also give a lecture at the Birmingham School of Architecture on Thursday 13th March.
Ian is also lecturing to students from the Politecnico de Milano at our office on 15th March.
RA Breakfast - From Russia 03/08
Ian Ritchie Architects will have a breakfast viewing in March of the Royal Academy exhibition From Russia.
Lecture to Friends of Blackheath Halls Architecture Group 02/08
Synopsis:
Values in Architecture
Ian Ritchie CBE RA, the Royal Academy's Professor of Architecture and Director of Ian Ritchie Architects explores and challenges the meanings of some of the complex and contradictory issues that confront designers today such as progress, consumerism and sustainability. He will include examples of how his architecture and ideas attempt to focus these issues through the physical and ephemeral materials with which his architecture is made.
RSC Courtyard Theatre BPA at MIPIM 02/08
The RSC Courtyard Theatre was commended in the Client Satisfaction category at the Building Performance Awards at MIPIM 2008.
New Bus Shelters 01/08
Ian Ritchie Architects have been selected to compete for the design of Transport for London's new generation of bus shelters. Designs will be submitted by nine teams - two are architectural firms, and the other six industrial design companies.
Liverpool Exhibition 2008 01/08
Ian Ritchie Architects will be creating an exhibition of their work at Liverpool University. It will run during October and November 2008 while Liverpool is European City of Culture. Professor Neil Jackson will be helping to facilitate the exhibition.
Alternative Anfield Stadium
A New Alternative Anfield Stadium
View from the air
Interior View looking towards the Kop which holds 17,000 in a stadium for 75,000 spectators
Interior View looking towards the Kop
Main spectator arrival level
Middle tier access level
Top tier
Short Section - looking towards the Kop end