Designed by architectural practice Kay Elliott, the six-storey tall Titanic Belfast spans 14,000 square metre. The building is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience. It features nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which recreate the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, the giant ship which met her destiny on her maiden journey. The building describes the city and people that made the giant ship 100 years ago.
The building also accommodates a dark ride, underwater exploration theatre, recreations of the ship’s cabins and interactive technologies. The two upper most floors have luxurious conference and banqueting suites, including the Titanic Suite.
The Titanic Suite features a near replica of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase, which is 23 feet high and 24 feet wide, and has 23 steps. The Giant Staircase weighs approximately four tonnes and is made of 10,000 individual parts. The staircase was built in six separate sections using red oak, the material used for making the original staircase of Titanic.
The construction of the scheme engaged the services of six specialist joiners from Oldtown Joinery, who worked on the project to match the craftsmanship of original designers Harland & Wolff. The work was completed in more than four months.
The building will also incorporate temporary exhibits, education and community facilities, catering and retail space and a basement car park. It is owned by Titanic Foundation and will be operated by Titanic Belfast Limited. The building opened to public on March 31, 2012 in time for the centenary of Titanic’s maiden voyage.
The winners of the award will be announced at an event in London in September 2012.
