| TR2 is Britain's "Building of the Year" | |
|  | | The three pods which make up TR2 |
| | The Theatre Royal's stunning new rehearsal centre on the banks of the River Plym in Plymouth has been named Britain's Building of the Year. The award caps a great year for the theatre - which is celebrating its 21st birthday in 2003. |
| | | The Theatre Royal's futuristic new performing arts rehearsal centre in Plymouth has been named the 2003 British Building of the Year.
The three eye-catching bronze-clad pods of the Theatre Royal's TR2 building, built on waste land at Cattedown on the River Plym, were opened in May.
TR2 was up against a shortlist including Manchester's new Commonwealth Games athletics stadium and the London Town Hall, designed by Sir Norman Foster.
 | | The rehearsal room |
But it was the overwhelming decision of the judges that TR2, designed by London-based Ian Ritchie Architects, should be the winner.
TR2 was built to house the Theatre Royal's production and education programme. Local theatre and dance companies are based there.
The £8m building also houses the theatre's joiners, metal fabricators, prop makers, wardrobe staff and scenic artists.
 | | The Green Room overlooks the River Plym |
One of the judges, Dame Antoinette Sibley of the Royal Fine Art Commission, said: "It was the overwhelming quality of the spaces which we found so inspiring and the little surprises which the building throws up as you move around it."
The architect used woven bronze fabric to clad the outside surfaces of rehearsal spaces, with other walls being made of glass or beaten zinc.
Theatre Royal chief executive Adrian Vinken said: "To gain such a prestigious award is a very public recognition of the phenomenal hard work and commitment that went into making TR2 a reality.
 | | Looking from the bottom to the top |
"It's a real tribute to the courage of all our funding partners who have supported the project through some difficult times.
"Ian Ritchie has designed precisely the influential landmark building which we wanted for Plymouth, a real flagship for development and regeneration."
Ian Ritchie added: "Our client set out to achieve the best and has done it.
"They had to depend not only upon their own skills and wit, but so much on others too. That requires courage and trust. Bravo!"
TR2 has now won two of the three major annual architectural prizes awarded in Britain. The first award was the Design Excellence award from the American Institute of Architects.
*In September 2003, the Royal Institute of British Architects announced that TR2 was on a shortlist of six buildings for RIBA's Stirling Prize.
The winner of the prestigious £20,000 award is to be unveiled in October.
Among the other nominations is the Great Court at the London Museum.
Article first published: 12th June 2003
Updated: 14th September 2003
| | | |
|
|
| Webcams |  | | From stunning views to nature - take a webcam tour of Devon. |
BBC Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
[email protected]
|
|
