The Everyman Theatre by Haworth Tompkins scoops the 2014 RIBA Stirling Prize

The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool by Haworth Tompkins is the winner of this year's RIBA Stirling Prize. Photography: Philip Vile

(Image credit: Philip Vile )

By Ellie Stathaki

last updated 18 August 2022

in Features

The new Everyman Theatre by Haworth Tompkins was crowned the winner of the 2014 RIBA Stirling Prize at the Royal Institute of British Architects last night. The much-loved Liverpool institution, originally housed in a chapel where it was based since 1964, moved into its brand new home designed by the London-based practice earlier this year.

Competition was fierce, with nominations also including the Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo; the London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects; the London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop; the London School of Economics - Saw Swee Hock Student Centre by O'Donnell + Tuomey Architects; and the Manchester School of Art by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

And while these buildings may range in scale and program, there is no doubt that this year's strong shortlist included some leading names in the architecture scene. The judging panel - comprising Foster and Partner's Spencer de Grey, Long and Kentish's MJ Long, Walters and Cohen's Cindy Walters, Kieran Timberlake's Stephen Kieran and politician and businessman Sir Timothy Sainsbury - reached the final decision, praising the new theatre's design. "The new Everyman in Liverpool is truly for every man, woman and child. It cleverly resolves so many of the issues architects face every day", they state.

The award, now in its 19th year, honoured the building for its design, execution and imagination. It is the first Stirling Prize for the winners, who have a strong portfolio of work in theatre design - from the Royal Court completed in 2000 to the recent temporary 'Shed' outside the National Theatre.

In the same evening, the Stormy Castle in Wales by Loyn & Co was announced as Britain's best new home and winner of the 2014 RIBA Manser Medal.

red brick exterior — Locally sourced red brick was used for the building's façade and four large ventilation stacks, giving the building a distinct silhouette. Photography: Philip Vile

Inside, the theatre's main auditorium is an adaptable thrust stage space of 400 seats, constructed from the reclaimed bricks of Hope Hall. Photography: Philip Vile

Windows exterior street view — The new theatre replaces the 19th century home of an iconic Liverpool institution. Photography: Philip Vile

Foyers and catering spaces are arranged on three levels including a new Bistro. The building boasts numerous creative workspaces, with a rehearsal room, workshops, a sound studio and a Writers' Room overlooking the foyer. Photography: Philip Vile

Competition for this year's prize was fierce, with nominations also including The London School of Economics' Saw Swee Hock Student Centre by O'Donnell + Tuomey Architects. Photography: Dennis Gilbert

**Nominee:** The London School of Economics - Saw Swee Hock Student Centre by O'Donnell + Tuomey Architects. Photography: Dennis Gilbert

**Nominee:** The London School of Economics - Saw Swee Hock Student Centre by O'Donnell + Tuomey Architects. Photography: Dennis Gilbert

**Nominee:** The Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo. Photography: Christian Richters

Library of Birmingham interior — **Nominee:** The Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo. Photography: Christian Richters

Library of Birmingham auditorium — **Nominee:** The Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo. Photography: Christian Richters

London Aquatics Centre exterior building — **Nominee:** The London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects. Photography: Hufton + Crow

London Aquatics Centre interior pool — **Nominee:** The London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects. Photography: Hufton + Crow

London Aquatics Centre view of pool — **Nominee:** The London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects. Photography: Hufton + Crow

London Aquatics Centre exterior view side of building — **Nominee:** The London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects. Photography: Hufton + Crow

**Nominee:** The London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Photography: Michel Denance

London Bridge Tower (The Shard) Lobby — **Nominee:** The London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. *Photography: Michel Denance*

The London Bridge Tower (The Shard) boardroom — **Nominee:** The London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Photography: Grant Bannantyne

The London Bridge Tower (The Shard) escalator and staircase — **Nominee:** The London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Photography: Grant Bannantyne

The Shard street view of tower — **Nominee:** The London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Photography: Grant Bannantyne

**Nominee:** The Manchester School of Art by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Photgraphy: Hufton + Crow

Manchester School of Art interior — **Nominee:** The Manchester School of Art by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Photgraphy: Hufton + Crow

Manchester School of Art foyer — **Nominee:** The Manchester School of Art by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Photgraphy: Hufton + Crow

Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).

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