Born on 19th of October 1938, British Architect Sir. Michael Wilford had commenced his architectural education at Northern Polytechnic School of Architecture, London from 1955 to 1962 & the Regent Street Polytechnic Planning School, London, in 1962. He then worked with Architect James Stirling and; then established Stirling/Wilford partnership together. In late 90’s up until 2001, Michael Wilford worked in collaboration, under name of Michael Wilford & Partners & founded Wilford Schupp, based in Stuttgart which then went on to gain international recognition in works related to public infrastructure such as that of art galleries, museums, performing arts centers and libraries.
Sir. Michael Wilford was an honorary member of Bund Deutscher Architekten and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Singapore Institute of Architects, Royal Institute of Arbitrators & Fellow of Royal Society of Arts and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2001.
Additionally, Michael Wilford has held professorships in numerous schools of architecture including Yale, Harvard, Rice, the University of Cincinnati in USA, the Architectural Association and the University of Sheffield in the UK, University of Toronto, McGill University Montreal in Canada and University of Newcastle, Australia.
Well-renowned for striking post-modernist infrastructure, Michael Wilford passed away on Friday, 10th of March 2023, at the age of 84.
Image 1_ Architect Michael Wilford._©https://architectuul.com/architect/michael-wilford
Architectural Works – Maestro of Vibrant Post-Modernism
Some of well-renowned works by Architect Michael Wilford include:
British Embassy in Berlin, Germany (1998):
This project involved the renovation of a historic building in Berlin and the addition of a modern extension. The result is a building that blends the old and the new, and that serves as a symbol of the new relationship between Germany and Britain.
Located on Wilhelmstraße, in the heart of Berlin’s historic government quarter, the design incorporates a blend of traditional and modernist elements, with the main building being a modern glass and steel structure that contrasts with the surrounding historic buildings. It is also designed to be environmentally friendly, with features such as a green roof and a geothermal heating system.
Image 2_ British Embassy in Berlin, Germany. _©https://pin.it/4mKzArU
Lowry Centre in Salford, Greater Manchester, UK (2000):
This cultural center includes a theater, galleries, and other performance spaces, and is named after the painter L.S. Lowry. The design incorporates elements of industrial architecture and reflects the history of the surrounding area.
The building is situated in a prominent location on the waterfront of the Manchester Ship Canal and features a striking design that incorporates elements of industrial architecture. The exterior of the building is clad in silver aluminum panels and features a prominent tower that serves as a landmark for the surrounding area. The tower is illuminated at night and is visible from miles around.
Image 3_ Lowry Centre in Salford, Greater Manchester, UK._©https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/salford-and-theres-not-a-single-matchstick-man-to-be-seen-z7n383dh6np
The Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst (University for Art and Music) in Stuttgart, Germany:
Designed by architect James Stirling with Michael Wilford in 1993, this building is composed of a series of interconnected blocks, with a central courtyard at its heart. The blocks are arranged in a stepped formation, with lower levels following the slope of the site, and the upper levels rising above them. This creates a dynamic and varied form that responds to the site’s topography.
The building’s facade is composed of a combination of materials, including brick, stone, and glass. The brickwork is arranged in a pattern of alternating vertical and horizontal courses, which gives the facade a sense of texture and depth. The use of natural stone for the window surrounds and other details adds to the building’s sense of solidity and permanence.
Image 4_ The Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst (University for Art and Music) in Stuttgart, Germany._©https://pin.it/3JVG1nF
Legacy
Sir. Michael Wilford, as an architect, was committed to creating spaces that enhance quality of life for their users. His designs often incorporated elements of nature and natural light, and he was a strong advocate for creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly buildings. He had contributed immensely to field of architectural education as well and was known for his passion for teaching and mentoring young architects. His legacy is known for innovation, creativity, and creating user-friendly spaces. His designs continue to inspire and influence architects around the world, and his contributions to the field of architecture will be experienced for many years to come.
References
Michael Wilford (2023) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Wilford (Accessed: March 26, 2023).
British embassy in Berlin (no date) Architectuul. Available at: https://architectuul.com/architecture/british-embassy-in-berlin (Accessed: March 26, 2023).
The Lowry (2023) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lowry (Accessed: March 26, 2023).
State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_University_of_Music_and_Performing_Arts_Stuttgart (Accessed: March 26, 2023).
About (no date) HMDK Stuttgart – About. Available at: https://www.hmdk-stuttgart.de/about/?L=1 (Accessed: March 26, 2023).
