Leading architects spent two days this week touring the city to view first hand every one of the 30 entries for this year’s York Design Awards.
The four-strong judging panel were led by internationally renowned architect Robert Adam. Entries were higher this year despite tough times in the building sector.
“It is a great reflection on York that there is so much good new building and restoration work going on in the city, despite the tough economic challenges the country currently faces,” says Robert Adam. “As always we’ve been impressed this year by the quality of design and craftsmanship on show across such a wide range of projects. Judging has been tougher than ever. I’m delighted to have the input of my colleagues on the panel as we select those schemes which we deem are outstanding enough to receive the coveted York Design Award accolade.”
Robert Adam shares the burden with three other judges – Leeds architect Stefanie Stead; Dr Hendrik Louw, senior lecturer at Newcastle University’s school of architecture, planning and landscape; and chairman of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, David Heath.
York Design Award entries this year range from small home extensions and restorations right through to the £32 million council headquarters building at West Offices and the restored Windmill at Holgate. Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in July.
Later this month, the people of York will be invited to make their own choices for the York Design Awards People’s Award sponsored by The Press.
Janet Hopton, who chairs the York Design Awards steering group, says: “Good architecture and sensitive building restoration plays an important part in what makes York such a special place. Our mission is to support that for the future and to encourage designers of new developments in the city to maintain the very highest standards – to create buildings and spaces that ‘delight’”.
Sponsors of the awards include property and development company S Harrison Developments Ltd, York Civic Trust, City of York Council, York Archaeological Trust and the York Guild of Building.
