This “centenary” building, built in 1996, should only bear the name
An award-winning university building, winner of a prestigious architectural award, will be demolished less than 30 years after it was built. The decision is generating a widespread wave of criticism.
O Centenary Building [Edifício Centenário, em português] it was built for Salford University in the north of England. In 1996, it won the Stirling Prize from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), which recognizes the best new building in Great Britain.
However, the university confirmed to CNN that the building will be demolished, after having been empty for several years.
“Although the Centenary Building has been part of our university’s heritage over the past few decades, unfortunately, due to its aging infrastructure, it no longer meets modern standards and requirements,” the university said in a statement sent to CNN.
“It was vacant for a third of its life”, states the statement, adding that the demolition is an integral part of the “comprehensive” redevelopment planned for that area.
Architect Stephen Hodder says in a statement sent to CNN that the announcement was met with “great consternation”.
“This reaction is not due to mere nostalgia. He is the first winner of the Stirling Prize. And it is an important building for the development of our practice”, explains the architect.
“I simply cannot support the demolition of a building that is only 30 years old. It is really important to consider the impact of carbon emissions that will result from demolishing and replacing the building,” he adds.
And it goes further: “Saying that there is an ‘old infrastructure’ is not a justification for demolition. Can be requalified. For a university that promotes sustainability as one of its pillars, the intention to demolish this building certainly undermines the credibility of its policies. We ask that this decision be reconsidered.”
In October, the Twentieth Century Society, a group that works to protect 20th-century buildings in the United Kingdom, submitted an application to Historic England to protect the building by listing it. Historic England is a public body that works to protect public space in England.
“With a transverse construction in concrete, the building was planned as an internal ‘street’, with teaching and administrative spaces on both sides, connected by galleries and bridges”, reads the announcement announcing the candidacy published on final on October 31st.
“The proactive request made by the Twentieth Century Society for the classification of the property was motivated by fears that the rapid redevelopment of the surrounding area could ultimately threaten the building,” it says.
In a statement sent to CNN, this society says it is “extremely disappointing” that plans to transform the building into a school or community center have fallen through and that its demolition is now planned.
“That would be irresponsible and completely unnecessary. We call on the university to reconsider,” the statement said. “This is a sophisticated piece of modern architecture, with clear opportunities to give it a new use after the necessary adaptations.”
“It acted as a catalyst for the previous regeneration of the area. And you can do it once again”, he adds.
RIBA chairman Jack Pringle says that while the organization cannot comment specifically on the Centenary Building, “reusing buildings in a creative way is key to mitigating our footprint” on Earth.
“Furthermore, we consider that there are reasons for all Stirling Prize-winning buildings to be included in a list for their respective classification”, he adds in a statement sent to CNN.
“By definition, they are the best buildings of the year. Classifying at least one modern building per year, after the respective analysis, and with your own assessment of the passage of time, does not seem irrational to me.”
