City of Winchester Trust Design Awards 2010 - TrustNews Sept 10
With over 20 submissions, there was a strong entry for this year's design awards, and after the initial scrutiny 16 projects have been shortlisted, an indication that the standard of design was high.
There were two new categories introduced this year: Public Art to encourage the sponsorship of paintings, sculptures and other works of art which are displayed in public places; and Sustainability which aims to recognise projects responding to the challenges of climate change by reducing carbon footprints. We are particularly encouraged by the number of entries under Public Art, but the response to Sustainability has yet to gather momentum, which is perhaps indicative of the failings in all of us.
Last time these awards were held in 2007, the visiting chairman of the judging panel was George Ferguson, a past president of RIBA, who did an excellent job in his famous red trousers as he inspected the various shortlisted buildings and then discussed the merits of each with generous praise at the awards ceremony. For those who were present, it was a memorable evening and one to encourage good design, which is the whole point of holding these events. This time around, Martin Willey, past president of RTPI has kindly agreed to be our external chairman. Some may remember him as an ambitious young planning officer in Test Valley during the mid 70's, so he is familiar with Winchester, although he has practised in the West Country for many years.
Members will get the chance to vote for their preferred scheme at the AGM on Mon 27 September, and once the judging panel has visited each shortlisted project during the first week in October, the awards will be presented at an evening ceremony at the end of October, details to be announced once the date and venue have been confirmed. This year we are hoping to secure a venue which is large enough to invite all members who wish to attend, so watch this space for further news.
Shortlisted Projects determined at judging panel on 26th July 2010
Ashburton Court, Queen Elizabeth II Court (Refurbishment & Sustainability)
Discovery Centre Bldg (Extension & Public Art)
Sparklers Sure Start Community Centre Winnall (Extension)
University Centre (New Building)
108 Stockbridge Rd (New Housing)
Abbey Gdns Lavatories (Refurbishment) Lighting in St Cross Church (Refurbishment) Warden's Lodgings at WinColl (Extension) Trinity Centre (New Building)
Emmaus Community Centre, Bar End (New Building)
Waitrose & Doctors Surgery (New Building) Painted Bollards in The Square (Public Art) Discovery Centre Wall Hanging (Public Art)
3 works of Art at UoW: Wall Hanging in Reception, Wire Dancers, King Alfred's Statue (Public Art)
The Kite Flyer, Parchment Street (Public Art)
Courtyard Mosaic and Sculpture at Osborne School (Public Art & landscaping)
It has been suggested the Trust should introduce a new category next time for "Hidden Gems" i.e. buildings hidden away or not easily seen by the public.