News/ 05 October 2016

 

LSE Director of Estates and Deputy Chair of HEDQF receives RIBA Recognition

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has recently announced the 2017 RIBA Honorary Fellowships. Julian Robinson, LSE Director of Estates and Deputy Chair HEDQF has been elected as one of eighteen individuals from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds who will be presented with the prestigious award at a special event at the RIBA in early 2017.

The RIBA is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment.

Honorary Fellowships are awarded by the RIBA each year to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the quality of architecture. Julian’s track record runs from working with Hawkins Brown, Feilden Clegg Bradley, MJP Architects and Will Alsop at Queen Mary University to Grimshaw, O’Donnell + Tuomey, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Grafton Architects at the LSE, and shows a developing dedication to raising standards in the arena of university campus architecture.

The lifetime honour allows recipients to use the initials Hon FRIBA after their name.

Universities have again done well in the Retrofit Awards sponsored by the Architects Journal. As the AJ (15 September 2016) explains: ‘The Retrofit Awards celebrate the exemplary remodeling of existing buildings to extend the life of the built environment. These projects breathe new life into our built heritage, showcase architectural ingenuity and make significant energy savings while boosting building performance’. Two university schemes topped their relevant categories:

The Cockroft Building at the University of Brighton won the Higher and Further Education category. Designed by HEDQF Founder Members Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects, with Willmott Dixon as main contractor, the budget was £20 million. The jury commented: ‘This is a bold project, particularly from a sustainability point of view – and model for future similar projects’.

The Weston Library at the University of Oxford won the Listed Building over £5 million category. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre, with MACE as main contractor, the budget was £50 million. The jury commented: ‘An innovative approach to transforming an inwardly focused building into a welcoming library… sensitive choice of material palette and services have been thoughtfully integrated’.