The competition for this year’s Bradford District Design Awards for Architecture 2008 is mounting as the closing date for entry submissions draws closer.
The deadline for entries is 30 April 2008 so there is still time to enter an outstanding new or restored building, public art or public realm scheme.
Now in their fifth year, the bi-annual awards celebrate the very best of architectural design and restoration across the district.
Alan Soper, a representative from Yorkshire’s Royal Institutes of British Architects (RIBA) chapter which is championing the awards, said: “Bradford is well known for its stunning historic buildings and it is important we encourage future buildings to be of the same high level of architectural design. These awards not only act as an ideal forum to showcase the excellent design we have in the city and throughout the district, but they also encourage visually attractive, liveable and sustainable designs for the future.”
The awards celebrate and reward good design in Bradford and as the renaissance of the area continues to deliver innovative schemes and iconic buildings, the standard is high. A number of schemes within the city have already won or have been nominated for prestigious property awards. The Gatehaus – a £22 million unique fin-shaped residential scheme – won the ‘Best City Centre Development at the 2007 Resiprops (Residential Property) Awards and is nominated in 3 categories in this year’s RICS Yorkshire awards.
Victoria Mills, Shipley has also won the ‘Best City Centre or Apartment Development in Yorkshire’ in last year’s Yorkshire Post Property Awards and with new developments like the historic restoration of Eastbrook Hall – the former Methodist Cathedral of the North – Bradford offers an extensive range of good, quality design.
Bradford Council’s Assistant Director for Planning, Christopher Hughes, said: “Bradford has a long and very proud history of high-quality architecture. High quality design is a key element of successful regeneration and confidence in the district. This competition has showcased excellent designs in its previous years and I'm looking forward to this year's entries demonstrating new architecture and design at its best."
Maud Marshall, Chief Executive at Bradford Centre Regeneration, said: “We are committed to delivering the highest standard of design throughout the regeneration programme to safeguard Bradford’s historic architecture.
“This vision and dedication to preserving and continuing the eye-catching design of buildings in Bradford is continuing to expand throughout Bradford and the district. These awards are a good way to help showcase Bradford as a design leader within the property sector.”
The bi-annual awards started in 2001 in association with RIBA. They reward design excellence throughout key property categories which include new and refurbished buildings, residential, industrial, education, public and commercial, public realm and townscape (lighting/urban space) and shop fronts, murals and artworks.
The winners of the 2006 awards included Bradford’s first speculatively-built £3 million city centre office development, Shire House and luxury residential apartments Whitfield Mill, Vernon Annex and Teneterfield House in Apperley Bridge. With these high standards of designs and developments setting the standard for winners this year’s awards are sure to be exiting.
Once a shortlist of schemes has been selected each design will be vigorously assessed considering the development in relation to its setting, fitness for purpose, consistency of design, appropriate use of materials, sustainability, lasting architectural qualities and how it enhances the area.
The results will be announced at the RIBA Dinner & Award Ceremony on July 3 and the presentation will award the designer, owner and builder of the winning schemes either a prestigious award or commendation. The award ceremony will also include an exhibition of the winning schemes.
For more information on about the Bradford District Design Awards for Architecture 2008 please contact Alan Soper, managing director at Robinson’s Design Group on 01274 534010 or alan.soper@robinsongroup.co.uk.