The judges commented: “This is high density housing at its very best, demonstrating that volume house-builders can deliver high quality architecture – and that as a result they can improve their own bottom line.
"The whole scheme is about relationships: between architect and developer/contractor/client; between three very different firms of architects – Feilden Clegg Bradley, Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks Architects; and between private and public external spaces, providing a new model for outside-inside life with interior rooftop spaces, internal courtyards and large semi-public community gardens.”
Peter Clegg, senior partner with Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects, told BD: “I predicted all of the other winners but I couldn’t have predicted this one. What we are doing is changing the mould of housing.”
When Accordia was shortlisted, BD Buildings Editor Ellis Woodman said: “By rights, Accordia should have been on last year’s shortlist. However, when the RIBA jury visited the scheme they found that they couldn’t get access to any of the houses so decided that it couldn’t be put forward for an award. The Stirling hasn’t had a great record of recognising quality housing developments. After BedZed, Accordia is only the second housing scheme to be shortlisted in the prize’s history. However, it would make a very worthy winner.
“In a period when the housing sector has become increasingly focussed on the construction of inner-city apartments, Accordia addresses the urgent need to build quality family homes at large scale and a sustainable density.”
The judges’ choice of Accordia will certainly be of relief to the bookmakers. Going into the final day, the Cambridge housing scheme was sixth with odds of 5/1 at William Hill.
RIBA special awards
Also announced on Saturday night were the RIBA special awards:
Manser Medal for the best one-off house or housing scheme: Oxley Woods
Stephen Lawrence Prize for the best example of a building with a construction budget of less than £1 million: The Sackler Crossing in Kew by John Pawson Architects
RIBA CABE Public Space Award which celebrates publicly accessible external space: The Old Market Square, Nottingham by Gustafson Porter
Crown Estate Conservation Award, for the best work of conservation which demonstrates successful restoration or adaptation of an architecturally significant building: St. Pancras International by Alastair Lansley (for Union Railways)
RIBA Sustainability Award: The Manchester Civil Justice Centre, Manchester by Denton Corker Marshall
Sorrell Foundation Schools Award: Westminster Academy at the Naim Dangoor Centre by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
No comments:
Post a Comment