New designs for an ambitious city

7 June 2013

How can we harness our ambitions to build better and healthier places? A necessary element of creativity is the readiness to ask ambitious and difficult questions of ourselves, just like this one. We are proud to be part of the vibrant and creative city of Bristol and it is just these kind of challenging questions that are being asked at the moment through an exhibition and series of events – Bristol: Ambitious City – programmed through the Architecture Centre. 

 
In partnership with University Hospitals of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol), Willis Newson is one of the sponsors of the Ambitious City programme and you can find out more about many of the Bristol projects in which we have been involved by going along there to the main exhibition.  Towards the end of June, we will jointly be showcasing the three designs shortlisted in the competition to re-develop the façade of the Bristol Royal Infirmary at a special pop-up exhibition in the Architecture Centre. 
In the words of Bristol’s newly-elected Mayor, George Ferguson, "Ambition should not be measured by size or cost but by the benefit it brings to the lives of every citizen. I hope this exhibition sparks many more projects that help define Bristol as the city of ideas." 
Concept designs for the new façade for UH Bristol’s Queens’ Building promise to be both beneficial and ambitious in just this sense.  Three leading international architectural practices have been shortlisted for this project through a design competition and are presenting really exciting new visions for the façade.  At a private view on the 26th June, architectural critic and commentator Tom Dyckhoff will be saying a few words about the project.  
The shortlist includes: 'Veil' by Nieto Sobejano, an architectural office from Madrid, Spain; 'Vertical Garden' by Tham and Videgard, progressive and contemporary architects and designers based in Stockholm, Sweden and 'Light and Air' by Solid Objectives - Idenburg Liu (SO-IL), an idea-driven design office based in New York, USA.
All three concepts are currently being expanded and presented to the panel overseeing the project which includes UH Bristol representatives, members of Bristol’s creative community and Willis Newson. A winning design will be selected in July. Willis Newson has been managing the competition
The Pop Up Exhibition will be open to the public between the 26th June and 7th July 2013 at The Architecture Centre, Bristol (link to website) http://www.architecturecentre.co.uk/exhibitions-pipu

In partnership with University Hospitals of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol), Willis Newson is one of the sponsors of the Ambitious City programme and you can find out more about many of the Bristol projects in which we have been involved by visiting the main exhibition - and about all the other exciting work going on to make Bristol a great place in which to live and work.  Towards the end of June, we will jointly be showcasing the three designs shortlisted in the competition to re-develop the façade of the Bristol Royal Infirmary at a special pop-up exhibition in the Architecture Centre. 

In the words of Bristol’s newly-elected Mayor, George Ferguson, "Ambition should not be measured by size or cost but by the benefit it brings to the lives of every citizen. I hope this exhibition sparks many more projects that help define Bristol as the city of ideas." 

Concept designs for the new façade for UH Bristol’s Queens’ Building promise to be both beneficial and ambitious in just this sense.  Three leading international architectural practices have been shortlisted for this project through a design competition and are presenting really exciting new visions for the façade.  At a private view on the 26th June, architectural critic and commentator Tom Dyckhoff will be saying a few words about the project. Please be in touch if you'd be interested in attending.

The shortlist includes: 'Veil' by Nieto Sobejano, an architectural office from Madrid, Spain; 'Vertical Garden' by Tham and Videgard, progressive and contemporary architects and designers based in Stockholm, Sweden; and 'Light and Air' by Solid Objectives - Idenburg Liu (SO-IL), an idea-driven design office based in New York, USA.

All three concepts are currently being expanded and presented to the panel overseeing the project which includes UH Bristol representatives, members of Bristol’s creative community and Willis Newson. A winning design will be selected in July. Willis Newson has been managing the competition

The Pop Up Exhibition will be open to the public between the 26th June and 7th July 2013 at The Architecture Centre, Bristol.  We hope to see you there.

Some images from the six longlisted artists and architects in the facade competition can be viewed through this article on the BBC website.