dRMM Architects, restoration of the Hastings Pier

The architects’ contribution was fundamental to redefine the functions of the Hastings Pier and return to the community a real public space - this was the opinion of the judges of the RIBA Stirling Prize, the most prestigious British award for architecture. Indeed, dRMM Architects’ project is one of the six finalists of the 2017 edition. This is a further confirmation for the architectural studio, which was among the finalists of the 2016 edition with the project of the Trafalgar Place residential complex of London.

The Hastings Pier, that was destroyed by a fire in 2010, was re-built thanks to the involvement of the community in a participation process aimed at defining the functions of the new structure. The need to perform functions and host events of different kinds led the architects to a solution that was rather unpredictable: indeed, they decided not to erect an “iconic” building at the end of the pier, a mere container for small and big businesses but, rather, a large public area on the sea. Therefore, the Pier became a well-serviced platform, that is flexible and can be adjusted to any needs. It can host a variety of events, from circuses to musical events, from fun fairs to markets. The new visitors centre is a flexible space too. Located in a central position, the new visitors centre is a structure with glass walls and a belvedere on the top, looking out towards Europe. It will host indoor events, such as exhibitions and education activities. Like the rest of the pier, it was realised using the wood recovered from the original structure.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Project: dRMM Architects http://drmm.co.uk/
Location: Hastings, UK
Photos: Alex de Rijke, Francesco Montaguti, James Robertshaw

Images courtesy of RIBA www.architecture.com