The new Lyric Theatre is a dazzling building of international quality, constructional design and execution. In townscape terms this is an exemplary project which demonstrates best practice of how to commission, design and construct a major new public building into the physical and emotional world of a city. Overlooking the River Lagan on a confined inclined urban site, the relationship with the surrounding houses, the distant views and the immediate and closer approaches are all very well judged and realised. Internal circulation offers many opportunities to gain wonderful views across and into a variety of spaces. The foyer, cafe bar and spill-out spaces actively encourage civic integration and interaction – to see and be seen to chat and to linger. This building is an appropriate landmark that is woven deftly into the surrounding urban fabric and an enhancement to the entertaining requirements of the city of Belfast.

from the Awards quotation

Category:
• Awards
• Cultural