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17. Manchester International Convention CentreThe problem facing architects SheppardRobson and Stephenson Bell – the twopractices that worked together on theproject – was the building’s location,right in the heart of the city centre,locked away between GMEX (formerlyCentral Station), the Midland Hotel, theFree Trade Hall and the Great NorthernWarehouse – an overshadowed ‘backstreet’ position. The challenge was toproduce an exemplary piece ofcontemporary architecture within thecontext of a substantially Victorian city.The team’s solution was to opt for acombination of traditional and modern.Ample use of red sandstone cladding,carried through into the foyer space,allows the Centre to harmonise with itsneighbours.The result has been widely acclaimed asa notable addition to the city’s culturalquarter. The Centre is a perfectcomplement to the GMEX exhibition hall– providing a pleasantly intimate venuefor conferences and seminars.Lead architect:Sheppard RobsonAssociate architect:Stephenson BellApproved Teamkal contractor:Blackwell Stanistreet & Co. LtdPhotograph courtesy of Stephenson Bell18. MEN Arena, ManchesterAt the time of its construction in 1995 theMEN (Manchester Evening News) Arenawas the largest multi-purposeentertainment complex of its kind inEurope. Spanning 95 metres, the arena’sbarrel vault Kalzip roof is naturally curvedto a radius of 240 metres with half barrelvault roofs set at right angles at eachend, curved to a radius of 100 metres.The roof comprises over 11,000 squaremetres of Kalzip 400 stucco embossedprofile sheets in lengths of up to 32.4metres. The lining has been troughperforated for improved acousticperformance.Architect:DLA • Ellerbe Becket18 Kalzip coast to coast