Dec 13 2005
It’s official – the Eden Project is Britain’s favourite modern building, according to a poll released today by ConstructionSkills, the sector skills council for the construction industry.
Out of a shortlist of twenty buildings constructed in the past ten years, the Eden Project was the clear winner with a 40% lead ahead of 30 St. Mary Axe (the Gherkin) which attracted 14% of the vote in second place. The McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey came third.
The results from the nationwide poll highlighted the loyalty we have for our local buildings, demonstrating the importance of physical landmarks to a region’s identity. For example;
- Almost half of those in the Tyne Tees region favoured the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a true icon of the North East.
- In Scotland, 45% of respondents said that the Scottish Parliament was their favourite modern building and, in Wales, it was the Cardiff Millennium Stadium which came out top.
- Londoners meanwhile remained loyal to the Gherkin which has become one of the most famous additions to the capital’s skyline in recent years.
As with the Eden Project, its highly original design has become a symbol of a new era in the development of the UK landscape.
Nicola Thompson, CITB-ConstructionSkills Director, said: “The results of the survey show that people of all ages from across the UK are taking a real interest in their built environment. The survey was carried out as part of our Positive Image campaign which aims to encourage more quality recruits into the construction industry. As the sector skills council for the construction industry we’re trying to harness this interest to attract really high-calibre recruits who will take this kind of design to the next level and ensure the longevity of our industry. One of the ways we’re doing this is through our Inspire Scholarships scheme which awards grants of up to £9,000 to students applying for construction-related degree courses.”
Chief Executive of the Eden Project Tim Smit says “Eden was built for the nation so obviously we’re tickled pink that it has found such a place in the heart of the great British Public. If there’s one thing that all the short listed projects have in common it is that they are sexy, challenging and inspiring. Britain is in the middle of a real flowering of creative talent in architecture, design and construction that is going to change the way we look at ourselves and our built environment forever. These scholarships are fantastic, because they go right to the heart of the matter, repositioning the grey brand of construction and engineering back in its rightful place – the visible expression of how our civilisation sees itself. There are big careers to make, big jobs to do and a huge audience to use and enjoy the fruits of your talents.”
The nation’s top ten favourite modern buildings were as follows:
- Eden Project
- 30 St. Mary Axe (the Gherkin)
- McLaren Technology Centre
- Great Court, British Museum
- Gateshead Millennium Bridge
- Cardiff Millennium Stadium
- Millennium Bridge, London
- Scottish Parliament
- Selfridges, Birmingham
- Tate Modern