Manchester Metropolitan University wins RIBA Client of the Year Award 2014

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has this evening (16 October 2014) named Manchester Metropolitan University the 2014 RIBA Client of the Year. The annual RIBA Client of the Year award recognises the key role that a good client plays in the creation of fine architecture.

Manchester Metropolitan University was nominated by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios for projects including Manchester School of Art and MMU Business School and an ongoing programme of buildings.

Peter Clegg and Keith Bradley of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios said:

“MMU’s briefs for both the School of Art and the Business School were clear from the outset – that the buildings should be flexible, sustainable, inclusive, uplifting and ‘iconic’. Fundamental to their success was strong governance, led by the Vice Chancellor, John Brooks who personally championed both projects. Brooks is passionate about sustainability and has set ambitious targets for the university to cut its carbon emissions, leading them to the top of the universities’ ‘Green League ‘in 2013.

“The client at Manchester Metropolitan University was pivotal to delivering a pioneering and inspiring new buildings for their estate. Testimony to the importance they put on not only good design, but on the importance of relationship, are repeat commissions for the contractors, architects and engineers.”

The RIBA Client of the Year award honours the key role that a good client plays in the creation of fine architecture. The judges consider clients of the year’s RIBA Award-winning schemes but take into account a track record of previous successful commissioning, particularly where this has led to earlier RIBA Awards.

RIBA Chief Executive Harry Rich said:

“We all know that strong collaboration between architects and clients is crucial to good architecture. It takes great courage and creativity to deliver quality architecture, so when a client brings these qualities to the table the chances of creating a great piece of architecture become much more likely. I am delighted that Manchester Metropolitan University has been recognised for its current and ongoing efforts as it continues to innovate and improve its estate.

“The brave and exciting buildings they are commissioning will benefit this and the next generation of students who come to study in Manchester.”

The winner of the RIBA Client of the Year Award was announced this evening (Thursday 16 October) at the RIBA Stirling Prize party at RIBA in central London.

The Architects’ Journal is media partner for the RIBA awards, including RIBA Client of the Year, and professional media partner for the RIBA Stirling Prize.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For further press information please contact Howard Crosskey in the RIBA Press Office howard.crosskey@riba.org or 020 7307 3761

View and download images of the shortlist: https://app.box.com/s/a2euw81599nb6hvmlokz

Previous winners of the RIBA Client of the Year award include Hammerson (2010), The Royal Shakespeare Company (2011), Olympic Delivery Authority (2012) and the National Trust (2013)

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Visit www.Architecture.com and follow us on Twitter.