practice profile: rmjm
Overview RMJM is a UK-based, international architectural practice. Our design-led work connects people and places, context and culture to create dynamic modern architecture that enhances our daily lives. RMJM believes in a ‘more than architecture’ approach: a collaborative process encompassing planning, engineering, art and sustainable urban and landscape design. Key personnel/contacts
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RMJM has always remained true to its founding principles: putting people first and valuing the process as much as the product. Our in-depth knowledge of local markets, skills as designers and client-focused outlook all contribute to the creation of unique, innovative buildings which respond not only to client’s needs but also to the surrounding context, culture and climate, wherever we are in the world. RMJM’s role as urban designers is to establish a framework that will support the opportunities for future viability within new or existing urban environments. We synthesise the social, environmental, and economic factors that form the basis of our cultural identity in order to provide vibrant and sustainable urban environments. Over the years RMJM has been responsible for many award winning buildings including the Commonwealth Institute in London, the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, and more latterly the new Scottish Parliament Building (a collaboration with the Spanish architect Enric Miralles). Projects range from the Falkirk Wheel and Visitor Centre in Scotland, and a number of British university campuses, including York (the original designs plus recent new builds) and Stirling, as well as waterfront developments in Leith, Glasgow and Liverpool. International projects include the prestigious 80 storey Dubai Tower in Qatar, and the sinuous City Palace Tower in Moscow, inspired by Rodin’s The Kiss. RMJM is currently masterplanning the Glasgow bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Unusually, RMJM celebrated its 50th anniversary last year by publishing a book Inside Out, Outside In, which has become a best seller among architectural titles. Approach to urban design The practice can draw on a wealth of architectural knowledge and experience in its place making work. Creating good environments is the driver, working in the local context and deriving as much of the identity as possible in new developments from the existing place. Senior urban designer Nathan Ward cites the Victorian example of Patrick Geddes (http://patrickgeddes.co.uk/) who worked to improve the slum conditions of Edinburgh Old Town in the 1890s. He helped turn around slum conditions working with existing buildings in the arts and crafts traditional – an example of using place as the starting point, which is still applicable today. This approach can be seen in the way RMJM approached the design of the new Scottish Parliament, where the aim was to realise the concept of the building ‘sitting in the land’. Its roofscape (including a large green roof) and landscaping link very strongly to the distinctive craggy nature of the surrounding area. Urban Design: A Developmental Approach Read Nathan Ward’s article Urban Design: A Developmental Approach, taken from the RMJM publication Inside Out Outside In. |
