by Don Barker

An abandoned steel works in the north of England, converted into a science adventure theme park, has won this year's Stirling Prize, the United Kingdom's most prestigious award for architecture.

The steelworks in Rotherham provides a cathedral-like theatre for industrial history, taking what could have been a glum reflection of the past and turning it into an interactive adventure with humor and excitement.

The Magna Centre was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects with assistance from structural engineer Mott MacDonald. The award was presented at a ceremony held in the spectacular Foster and Partners-designed Great Court at the British Museum in London.

The £20,000 Stirling prize, which is organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), is awarded annually to the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year. The prize is named after the British architect Sir James Stirling, 1926-1992.   >>>

The Magna Centre by Wilkinson Eyre Architects has won the prestigious Stirling Prize. Photo: Ben Luxmore The exterior wall of the center with the thematic red lighting. Photo: Ben Luxmore   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.