Winner:

Imperial War Museum North (IWMN) is the 5th branch of the Imperial War Museum and, the first outside the South East of England. Designed by Daniel Libeskind and opened in 2002, the concept for the building is that of a globe shattered info fragments and then reassembled as an iconic emblem of conflict. The overall effect is of disorientation, with sloping floors and unusual angles throughout, reflecting the disorientation of war.

The visitor experience at Imperial War Museum North is potentially intense and emotional, and it is hoped that this experience can be extended into the spaces around the building. It is intended that these external spaces will become an integral part of the museum, introducing, reflecting and developing the museum’s content and message whilst responding to and enhancing its architecture and location. These spaces must attract visitors, direct them around and into the building, introduce them to the message and content, and reward them with a memorable, unique museum experience, whilst offering a clear and distinctive sense of destination within The Quays regeneration area in Trafford.

Eligibility
The competition is open to multi-disciplinary teams which may be led by an architect or landscape architect. Collaboration between disciplines is encouraged.

Budget Information
There is no specific budget and the expectation is that a full costing will be included in the application process for the design and delivery of the work. It should be noted however that the museum is currently relatively low-maintenance, and any external developments will inevitably have an impact on staffing and the costs of running the museum.
Fundraising for the project will take place once the competition has concluded and a successful concept has been chosen.

Competition Format
The competition will take the following format:
Stage 1: Expressions of Interest (requirements set out below)

Stage 2: A shortlist of up to 5 teams invited to produce initial concept designs.

Assessment will involve an interview with the judging panel. 

Jury Panel
The Jury Panel will include the Museum Director and other senior IWM representation, a Quays stakeholder representative and the RIBA architectural adviser, Maggie Mullan of Austin Smith Lord Architects. 

Awards
A payment of 12.000 Pounds (plus VAT) will be shared equally amongst the shortlist (maximum five).

Expression of Interest: Requirement for Submission
Expressions of interest should comprise no more than 20 single sided A4 pages, bound, providing the following information :

- Full contact details of the lead consultant (ie the architect or landscape architect), identifying one point of contact for the competition.
- Introduction to the lead consultant and motivational statement.
- Details of the proposed consultants and examples of where the team has worked together previously.
- Three client referees for the lead consultant.
- Details of relevant projects, including illustrations.
- Details of the lead consultant’s current level of Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Note: 3 hard copies must be provided, in addition 4 CDs containing an accompanying electronic copy (in high-resolution pdf format).

This information should be submitted to the RIBA Competitions Office to arrive by 14.00 hours on 23 October 2008.

Late submissions will not be accepted and it will not be possible to submit entries via email. Competitors should note that first class post does not necessarily guarantee next-day deliver and should plan their submission schedule accordingly.

Competition Schedule
15 September 2008: Competition launch
23 October 2008, 14:00: Expression of Interest deadline
03 November 2008: Assessment of EOI’s
10 November 2008: Brief issued to shortlist
15 January 2009: Deadline for concept designs
26 January 2009: Final judging (including interviews)