Imperial War Museum North (IWMN) in Manchester has selected German architects Topotek 1 as the preferred design team to develop the external spaces of the museum.

According to Jim Forrester, IWMN director, Topotek's scheme was chosen due to the fact that it best addressed a complex brief and complemented the Daniel Libeskind-designed building.

Topotek's design includes "contemplation zones", a new quayside walkway with access across the water frontage; a landscaped garden built over the car-park to give elevated views of IWMN; a children's play area including sensory and kinetic elements and spaces for future exhibits and art installations.

Forrester added: "Having taken submissions from UK and international design teams, the selection panel felt that Topotek had come up with a great initial concept and were ready to adapt their imaginative ideas to suit the fast-changing environment around the museum.

"We are very confident that we can work with the Topotek 1 team to arrive at an excellent scheme which will enhance the whole Quays' experience."

Topotek's designs were chosen following an international bidding competition,. organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Competitions Office.

In September 2008 expressions of interest were received from more than 50 architects and landscape architects.

Five shortlisted teams were then invited to come up with design ideas in response to a brief.