The RIBA is to launch a new competition which will seek design proposals for the external spaces to the multi award-winning Imperial War Museum North in Manchester. The competition is open to architects and landscape architects with exceptional design skills.
Imperial War Museum North is about people and their stories, about how lives have been and still are, shaped by war and conflict. The museum is located in Trafford in the rapidly developing Quays regeneration area, and with the development of MediaCity:uk on the Quays there is an opportunity to capitalise on the international focus that will soon be on the area and to create a distinctive destination and context for the museum.
The external spaces at Imperial War Museum North must enhance the museum by reflecting its key message that war shapes lives, against its dramatic exterior, enhancing and expanding the visitor experience to beyond the walls of the internal spaces. There is an opportunity to do something dramatic and spectacular that will at the same time integrate with the extraordinary content and design of Libeskind’s iconic building.
The competition will follow a two stage process, which at stage one invites expressions of interest. A shortlist will be chosen and invited to produce concept designs.
Anyone interested in being considered should contact the RIBA Competitions Office for a preliminary briefing paper. This can be downloaded from www.architecture.com/competitions. The deadline for expressions of interest is Thursday 23rd October 2008.
www.architecture.com/competitions Tel 0113 2341335.