City of Winchester Trust Design Awards
The City of Winchester Trust Design Award Scheme has been established since 1984 on a bi-annual basis to recognise quality in the design of buildings and landscape within the City of Winchester. It covers new buildings (of any size) rehabilitation and restoration, landscape and planting, shop fronts, signs and environmental improvement schemes.
Design Awards 2010
The awards for 2010 were adminstered by Trust Member Chris Higgins. The Award Ceromony was held in Ashbuton Hall, Queen Elizabeth II Court on 1st November 2010.
Judging Criteria
Awards are made for schemes which display a high standard of design, make a lasting contribution to the City of Winchester as seen by the public, and demonstrate a positive understanding of the character of the surroundings.This year a new category of Public Art was introduced to encourage enlightened clients in sponsoring sculptures, paintings or other examples of fine art which is publicly accessible, and it was encouraging to have several enthusiastic submissions.
The Judges
The Judges were Stephen Harte, Barry Eaton, Gill Collymore and John Stott from the Trust with Martin Willey, Past President of RTPI as visiting chairman. They were impressed by the high standard of this year's submissions and all short-listed entries are to be congratulated; even those entries not receiving awards or commendations have contributed to the changing street scene of Winchester.
The Entries
Categories |
Entries |
New Buildings |
1 Long Close, Stanmore |
Conversion/Refurbishment |
8 St Thomas Street |
Landscape |
Memorial Garden Osborne School |
Public Art |
Painted Bollards, The Square |
Sustainabilty |
Queen Elizabeth II Court |
(click on the thumbnails to view a larger image):
Members' Choice
At the Trust's AGM, shortlisted entries were exhibited and members were invited to vote for their preferred scheme. The overriding winner was Queen Elizabeth II Court.
Judges Decisions:
New Build : 2 Design Awards and 2 Commendations
Conversion/Refurbishment/Extensions : 2 Design Awards, 1 Sustainability Award and 1 Commendation.
Public Art : 2 Commendations
The judges had the difficult task of distinguishing between very worthy schemes that had made an immense contribution to the community, but in pure design standards may not have justified an award. There were also 2 schemes of great merit, which were hidden from public view; which sadly eliminated them under the current rules.
The panel have suggested that the Trust might consider the creation of 2 new categories for future awards; one of Hidden Gems for good designs which are not normally visible to the public e.g. Scholar's Chambers at Winchester College; and another Community Initiative award to recognise exceptional contributions made by voluntary projects within the city, such as Emmaus or the Memorial Garden.
AWARD New Build
TRINITY CENTRE
Architect : Househam Henderson, Winchester
Contractor : Wilding & Butler, Colden Common
Well designed despite the limited budget. The external elevations make a very positive contribution to the street scene; a good use of the site.
AWARD New Build
UNIVERSITY CENTRE
Architect : Design Engine, Winchester
Contractor : Geoffrey Osborne, Reigate
A demanding brief on a complex site, but the quality of this design shone through. This new building at the main entrance to the university campus has also created a sense of arrival, which was previously lacking.
COMMENDATION New Build
WAITROSE SUPERSTORE + DOCTORS SURGERY
Architect : MBP Architects, Hampton Wick
Contractor : Norwest Holst Ltd., Colden Common
So much better than most retail developments, and a good use of a tight site, but concern over weathering details. The interior design of the doctors waiting area was also commended.
COMMENDATION New Build
BECKS MEWS, 108 Stockbridge Road
Architect : Chaplin Farrant Wiltshire, Winchester
Developer : Millgate (Winchester) Ltd
It was so encouraging to see some good spec housing in a field where mediocrity all too often prevails.
AWARD Extensions, Alterations and Refurbishment
DISCOVERY CENTRE
Architect : : Hampshire County Architects
Contractor : Mansell Construction Services Ltd, Southampton
This refurbishment respected Owen Carter's 1838 design for the Corn Exchange, whilst the extensions showed a skilful use of light and space without diminishing the original building.
AWARD Extensions, Alterations and Refurbishment
ST CROSS CHURCH : NEW LIGHTING
Architect : Seymour Bainbridge, Winchester
Lighting Design : Light + Design Associates, London
Contractor : B. F. Keane + CBS Construction
The quality of this scheme was simply stunning!
COMMENDATION Extensions, Alterations and Refurbishment
SPARKLERS SURE START, WINNALL COMMUNITY CENTRE
Architect : Hampshire County Architects
Contractor : R V Dart and Son (Builders) Ltd., Romsey
Small, simply executed and achieved everything asked of it. Greater than the sum of its parts to make an important impact on the local community.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD: Extensions, Alterations and Refurbishment
QUEEN Elizabeth II COURT
Architect : Hampshire County Architects (supported by Bennett Associates)
Contractor : BAM Construction, St Albans
Some concern about the mass of the building on its surroundings, but the interior design is most impressive. The impact on the working culture with open plan offices accommodating 75% more staff and a saving of £200K p.a. in running costs demonstrates just what a sound investment this should be in the long term. After much debate, the judges felt the environmental credentials were so important that the project should be given the Trust's Sustainability Award for 2010.
COMMENDATION : Public Art
LOOKING FORWARDS TO THE PAST
Artist : Alice Kettle
Client/Sponsor : Hampshire County Council
A vibrant and courageous wall hanging; a leap of faith to make a great impact both in the Discovery Centre and from the street outside, but some of the jury felt that the delicate nature of the textile layering was in danger of being lost in the huge scale of this embroidery.
COMMENDATION : Public Art
A COLLECTIVE OF ART WORKS ON THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
Wisdom & Lar by Alice Kettle
King Alfred Topiary Statue by Wadham Trading Co
Dancers by Lucy Unwin
Stained Glass Library Staircase by Sasha Ward + others commissioned in recent years
The Friends of Art at the University are to be commended for their ongoing sponsorship of sculptures, wall hanging, paintings and photographs over several years, and the contribution these pieces make to the university campus.
