hastings pier by dRMM architects wins 2017 RIBA stirling prize

hastings pier, designed by dRMM architects, is the winner of the 2017 RIBA stirling prize — the annual award that celebrates the UK’s best new architecture. the project held of competition from two-time winners rogers stirk harbour + partners as well as previous nominees reiach & hall architects and michael laird architects. read more about the pier below, and see the other shortlisted entries here.

the new structure sits upon the repaired victorian iron work of the original pier
image by francesco montaguti / video courtesy of RIBA

the winning project reopened last year after major redevelopment work by london-based firm dRMM architects. the new structure sits upon the repaired victorian iron work of the original pier, which burned down in 2010, and has been designed to kick-start the southern english town’s renaissance. the RIBA stirling prize, now in its 22nd year, is awarded annually to the UK’s best new building.

the pier has been designed to host a range of different events and activities
image by alex de rijke

the vast deck has been conceived as an uninterrupted flexible expanse for large-scale concerts, markets, and public gatherings. at the center of the pier, a visitor center has a viewing platform on its roof, which affords sweeping views along the coast and across the english channel. timber — much of it reclaimed from the original pier — has been used throughout the project, and has even been used for the project’s new furniture, manufactured locally as part of an employment initiative.

the structure has been designed to kick-start the southern english town’s renaissance
image by james robertshaw

‘it has taken a seven-year heroic collaboration to turn a smouldering pier in disrepair and decline into a vibrant public space with a palpable sense of ownership,’ said the RIBA judging panel. ‘this collaboration has been between the community, the council, the engineers and the architect and it is the architect’s vision which has been vital throughout to steer the process.’

sweeping views are offered along the coast and across the english channel
image by alex de rijke

‘from a conservation perspective, this project has reinvigorated a fire-damaged historic structure and facilitated a contemporary and appropriate new 21st century use,’ adds the jury. ‘the project has been mindful to integrate material from the original pier in the new design, and the process of restoration was used to help train a new generation of craft specialists.’

the visitor center has a viewing deck on its roof
image by alex de rijke

‘hastings pier is a masterpiece of regeneration and inspiration,’ says RIBA president and RIBA stirling prize jury chair, ben derbyshire. ‘the architects and local community have transformed a neglected wreck into a stunning, flexible new pier to delight and inspire visitors and local people. hastings pier showcases the remarkable skills, tenacity and problem-solving flair of its talented architects, dRMM. it also rewards the patrons of this great architectural achievement: the local people who have taken the initiative, and risk, to create this highly innovative and extraordinary new landmark.’

timber — much of it reclaimed from the original pier — has been used throughout the project
image by alex de rijke