The old Everyman Theatre in Liverpool opened in 1964 in the shell of a nineteenth century chapel on one of Liverpool’s main streets. Although a much-loved institution, the building itself was in a state of disrepair. The decision to pull the theatre down and replace it with a new one has been a nine-year project for the architects Haworth Tompkins. They have expertly met a difficult challenge: that of creating an entirely new and sustainable building, whilst retaining and revitalising the best-loved features of its predecessor. The architects were tasked with ensuring that the soul of the old Everyman, one of informality and community ownership – the ‘theatre of the people’- was carried into the new building. The result is a new building with a striking exterior and elegant interior, all with exceptional attention to detail and sustainability credentials.
RIBA President Stephen Hodder said.-
'The success of this exceptional new building lies in the architect’s close involvement with the local community throughout the project. Haworth Tompkins have struck the perfect balance between continuity and change to win the hearts and minds of the people of Liverpool with the vibrant new Everyman. Complementing beautifully with the surrounding listed buildings, it is a ground-breaking example of how to build a daring bold and highly sustainable large public building in a historic city centre. The building exceeds expectations and I am delighted to present Haworth Tompkins with the 2014 RIBA Stirling Prize.'
Steve Tompkins of Haworth Tompkins said.-
'Winning the RIBA Stirling Prize is an enormous honour for our project team and our clients, the reward for an intensive collaboration over almost a decade, during which we have grown to love the Everyman and the great city that it serves. It is also an important endorsement of our studio's ethos and an encouragement to carry on working the way we do, despite the pressures all of us are under to speed up and dumb down. We couldn't be more delighted.'
The judges citation for the RIBA Stirling Prize winner.-
'The new Everyman in Liverpool is truly for every man, woman and child. It cleverly resolves so many of the issues architects face every day. Its context - the handsome street that links the two cathedrals – is brilliantly complemented by the building’s scale, transparency, materials and quirky sense of humour, notably where the solar shading is transformed into a parade of Liverpudlians. The ambience of the theatre is hugely welcoming with three elegant and accessible public foyers for bars, lounges and café/bistro. Clever use of materials with interlocking spaces and brilliant lighting make this an instantly enjoyable new public space for the city. It is exceptionally sustainable; not only did the construction re-use 90% of the material from the old theatre, but all spaces are naturally ventilated including the auditorium with its 440 seats. Clever, out of sight concrete labyrinths supply and expel air whilst maintaining total acoustic isolation. It is one of the first naturally ventilated auditoria in the UK. The generosity of its public spaces, which, on a tight site, are unexpected and delightful, are used throughout the day and night. As Haworth Tompkins’ first completely new theatre, it is a culmination of their many explorations into the theatre of the 21st century. It is ground-breaking as a truly public building, which was at the heart of the client’s philosophy and ethos. In summary, an extraordinary contribution to both theatre and the city, achieved through clever team working – client, architect, consultants and contractor – where the new truly celebrates the past.'
This is the first time Haworth Tompkins has won the RIBA Stirling Prize. They were previously shortlisted in 2007 for London’s Young Vic theatre. The Everyman is their first new-build theatre, amongst a portfolio of over a dozen theatres from the Royal Court in 2000 to the recent temporary ‘Shed’ outside the National Theatre. Their other projects include a secondary school in Birmingham and Coin Street Community Centre in London. The practice is currently working on a regeneration project in Canning Town and a housing development in Stratford, East London.
CREDITS.-
Architect.- Haworth Tompkins.
Client.- Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust.
Cost.- £13,300,000.
CREDITS.- TECHNICAL SHEET.-
Address.- 3-11 Hope Street, Liverpool.
Completion Date.- October 2013.
Construction Cost.- £13.4M.
Contractor.- Gilbert-Ash.
Project Manager.- GVA Acuity.
Theatre Consultant.- Charcoalblue.
Structural Engineer.- Alan Baxter & Associates.
Service Engineer.- Watermans Building Services.
Quantity Surveyor.- Gardiner & Theobald.
Access Consultant.- Earnscliffe Davies Associates.
CDM Coordinator.- Turner and Townsend.
Acoustic Engineer.- Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design.
Interiors & Furniture Design.- Haworth Tompkins with Katy Marks at citizens design bureau.
Collaborating Artist.- Antoni Malinowski.
Typographer.- Jake Tilson.
Portrait Photographer.- Dan Kenyon.
