Public opinion sought on BRI hospital makeover designs

Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram has worked with design firm Arup to create a facade inspired by rippling water in the city’s docks

Madrid architects Nieto Sobejano design involves re-cladding the building and creating a small open garden

New York company SO-IL submission for the BRI, Light and Air, centres on creating an airy translucent “light-filled cocoon” for the Queen’s Building

Stockholm architects Tham and Videgard believe their design will “offer a new experience” which they call a vertical garden

London-based artist Antoni Malinowski has enhanced the building’s concrete fins by using coloured panels

French artist Daniel Buren has come up with a bright design which could be created using coloured awnings, blind shutters or glass

Designs from around the world have been submitted for the transformation of the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI).

The hospital trust is now asking the public for their opinions on six different designs.

The BRI Queen's Building on Upper Maudlin Street was once voted one of the ugliest in Bristol.

The proposals - which range from the use of glass panes to coloured panels - are part of a £80m redevelopment programme.

One of the designs is by a Bristol based artist, while the others have been submitted from London, France, Madrid, Stockholm and New York.

'Positive first impression'

University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol) decided to overhaul the front of the BRI building after discovering structural work was necessary to make it safe in the long-term.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the designs on Thursday at UH Bristol's Education and Research Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, from 10am until 7pm.

Robert Woolley, chief executive of UH Bristol, said: "I am really excited to have got international designers of this calibre giving us their ideas for changing the look of the BRI.

"We have long recognised that the appearance of BRI is not one that reflects the quality of care we give.

"The redevelopment project presents the opportunity to create a more positive first impression whether people are coming to the hospital or travelling through Bristol."

Following the public consultation a final shortlist of no more than three designs will be drawn up before a final decision is made by the Trust's board in July.

The refurbishment forms part of a wider programme, due to be completed in 2014, which will incorporate a new ward block, helipad and welcome centre.