Member Article

Innovative architect chosen for Middlesbrough art scheme

The designer working with Middlesbrough Council to create a groundbreaking urban arts project has been chosen. A young and innovative architect, Ian McChesney, of McChesney Architects, has been selected from a final shortlist of 5 practices. The choice follows an international competition commissioned by the Royal Institute of British Architects to improve the A66 corridor through Middlesbrough.

His designs will improve the look of A66 corridor, beginning at the Cargo Fleet transport interchange in the east of the town. It is envisaged that the finished design will be exclusive to Middlesbrough and extend throughout the A66 corridor. After presenting his initial ideas for the site, Ian will spend more time working with Middlesbrough Council on his proposal before the final design is chosen.

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Ian’s work has included the redevelopment of the Royal Academy of Music and award winning designs for wind shelters for the South Shore Promenade in Blackpool. Ian is one of the Architect’s Journal’s ‘40 under 40’, an exclusive group of young designers tipped for the top.

Councillor Dave Budd, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “Of the five applications short-listed in this competition, we felt that Ian McChesney’s ideas had the most to offer. We are looking forward to working with him on creating a truly unique feature which will become a landmark and a talking point for the people of Middlesbrough.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .