Architecture prize for Forum

The prize was announced on 12 June at a ceremony in Swindon. 

The Forum was victorious out of 16 strong contenders in the South West and Wessex, including The Exchange, at the University’s Cornwall Campus. The Forum will now go on the long list for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the greatest contribution to British architecture, due to be presented in September.

A solid lead roundel proclaiming the win will be displayed in The Forum, which includes a new Student Services Centre, refurbished library, retail and catering outlets and technology-rich learning spaces. 

Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine, work began on campus in March 2010. After 72,594 man-hours of work, 4.5 Olympic swimming pools of soil removed and 2409 m3 of poured concrete, the Forum was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 2 May 2012.

Hugh Mc Cann, Director of Estate Development Service said: “We are delighted to get national recognition for our stunning Forum and are thrilled to now be on the long list for the Sterling Prize. We’d like to thank Wilkinson Eyre for their vision and for submitting the project to the rigorous judging process. This award is shared with staff and students at the University who are now enjoying the benefits The Forum brings after putting up with the inconvenience such a major building project entails.” 

Michele Shoebridge, Director of Academic Services and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, adds: “The Forum reflects and represents the importance placed on the student experience here at the University of Exeter, and we are delighted that our investment in world-class facilities has been recognised with this award. We are also proud that The Exchange on our Cornwall Campus - another world-class student services building - was a regional nominee.” 

Overall, the 2013 RIBA awards went to 43 buildings in the UK and nine buildings elsewhere in the EU. RIBA National Award winning buildings set the standard for good architecture. 

Angela Brady, RIBA President, said: “Risk-taking is not for the faint-hearted in recessionary times, but amongst this year’s crop of truly exceptional buildings, I am delighted to see such a variety of projects doing just that. Most notably, this year’s RIBA National Awards feature a selection of really exceptional schools and education buildings, places that properly invest in the future.”