Michael Wilford is an English architect. In 1960, he joined the practice of James Stirling and in 1971 together established the Stirling/Wilford partnership. The partnership continued until James Stirling’s death in 1992. From 1993 to 2001 Michael Wilford worked in partnership under the name of Michael Wilford and Partners.
Photo: RobChafer
Wilford’s work has gained international renown and includes significant public buildings such as performing art centres, art galleries, museums and libraries located around the world.
The Lowry
Photo: © Andrew Dunn,
The 23,350 m2 building, dedicated to housing the art works of L.S. Lowry and various performance and exhibition spaces, is located by the waterside in the redeveloped area of Salford Quays in Greater Manchester. The architect’s ambition was to create a new focal point within the community to encourage people to experience the visual and performing arts. To emphasize this point the architecture is deliberately transparent.
Photo: Peter.Lorre (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
The foyer faces the public plaza, where there is a large aerofoil canopy at the entrance clad with perforated steel and illuminated from inside at night. The bold entrance canopy suggests the influence of ‘maximalists’ such as Alsop and Coates Much of the building is clad in stainless steel and glass.
About the Author:
Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
