Nieto Sobejano

The new “Queen’s Façade” of the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) designed by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos has been inaugurated.

21.06.2016

In September 2012, the NHS Foundation Trust organized a limited international competition in order to completely transform the appearance of the Bristol Royal Infirmary’s Queen’s façade, which was the subject of many criticisms due to its design and conservation status. Nieto Sobejano’s design was chosen as the winner among a shortlist of six; three artists (Daniel Buren, Luke Jerram and Anthony Malinowski) and three architectural practices (Nieto Sobejano, Tham and Videgard and So-Il).
The extension of the old Royal Infirmary built in 1911 in the Upper Maudlin Street was designed by Watkins Gray in 1965 and had undergone numerous alterations, additions and modifications to the point of losing the character of the initial project. The design by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos in collaboration with the local office CODA, is based on a folding surface adapting to the existing heterogeneous conditions, while keeping the rhythm of the original façade. A buffer zone between the hospital and the main road on which it sits creates a breathing space for patients and visitors arriving at the hospital. A new lighting installation transforms the building at night into an iconic landmark.