Willmott Dixon is celebrating two prestigious European architecture awards, after the Town House and The Box became the only UK projects to gain international recognition
The first European architecture award was granted Kingston University’s Town House, which was Europe’s ‘best new building’ after winning the Architecture Prize at the world-renowned Mies van der Rohe Awards.
Dignifying people’s lives through education and togetherness
The building was recognised for its “remarkable environmental quality that creates an excellent atmosphere for studying, gathering, dancing and being together. The building creates an emotional experience from within and through the multi-level façade colonnade that creates a domestic atmosphere on different levels.
“It accommodates dance, library and study spaces using layers of silence and layers of sound which work perfectly well together.
“This is the first time that a university building wins the architecture prize, and it shows the potential of public educational projects with the quality of this one, which dignifies people’s lives through education and togetherness and gives equal educational possibilities for everybody.”
The second award was followed by ‘The Box’ in Plymouth, which was commended at the 2022 European Museum of the Year awards, the only UK project to feature in the prestigious event.
‘A new cultural asset for its city and region’
Judges hailed The Box for being “a remarkable regional museum with strong ambitions for its cultural, educational and social effects. With outstanding exhibitions and easy access for all, it has created a new cultural asset for its city and region and is an active advocate for the social change it can bring to its communities.”
An important win for the UK’s built environment
Rick Willmott, group chief executive at Willmott Dixon, said: “It’s great for the UK’s built environment to receive these two important accolades.
“They are testament to the outcomes they deliver for their communities and shine a spotlight on the important contribution the UK construction industry makes in driving local growth and prosperity.”
‘A huge validation of the significant investment in the project’
Caroline Cozens, head of strategic programmes at Plymouth City Council added: “Being recognised as a remarkable regional museum at The European Museum of the Year awards is a huge validation of the significant investment in the project by Plymouth City Council, Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“The Box is an ambitious new institution, and this award is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of so many individuals including The Box team.”
