Budget school on RIBA Awards shortlist

St John Bosco Arts College, a 1,100 place Catholic girls’ secondary school in Liverpool, has been shortlisted for an RIBA Regional Award.

The school is housed in a 91m x 55m three storey single span column free environment, which contains an exciting mix of learning environments and social spaces, focusing on a sculpted landscape at the heart of the school.

With a budget of just £1191/sqm the response uses a simple efficient building form which delivers 15% more area than the traditional BB98 school, allowing for greater flexibility to create both transformational and inspirational spaces.

Also shortlisted is Manchester Town Hall Extension by SimpsonHaugh and Partners for which BDP was environmental engineer, lighting designer and acoustic consultant.

The awards are held annually to celebrate buildings of the highest architectural standards and which make a substantial contribution to the local environment. Winners of the Regional Awards, announced on 16 April, will then become eligible for the prestigious RIBA National Awards which are announced in June.