BOLTON architects' landmark design

A PAIR of architects from Bolton are taking the building world by storm after completing a multi-million pound project to create a landmark library and concert hall inside the Arctic Circle.

Designer Daniel Rosbottom grew up in Westhoughton and Atherton, and now combines the position of Head of Architecture and Landscape at Kingston University with being co-director of London-based company DRDH Architects, which the 45-year-old founded in 2000 with his partner David Howarth.

The firm rapidly expanded and in 2005 they took on another Boltonian, Richard Marks as an associate.

Now the company is celebrating after completing its most ambitious project to date a 110 million library and concert hall for the Norwegian town of Bod, which will be a new home for the Arctic Philharmonic orchestra.

The company was initially chosen from 193 architects who entered a competition to produce a master plan for redevelopment of the towns cultural quarter, which had been badly damaged in the Second World War.

But their design for stark white concrete buildings overlooking the picturesque harbour did not initially find favour with all the residents with some comparing the design to a fish oil plant or margarine factory.

However, over the five years the buildings taken shape they have grown on the towns 50,000 inhabitants and an estimated 20 per cent of the population turned up for the librarys recent opening.

It is thought that 10 per cent of all Norwegians also tuned in their televisions to watch the halls inaugural concert, which was attended by Crown Prince Haakon.

Mr Marks, a 36-year-old former Canon Slade High School pupil, said: It is quite unusual for a small practice to be given a commission like this.

At some point pretty much the whole office was working on it.

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BOLTON architects' landmark design