Nominations now open for 2020 Hackney Design Awards
The 2020 Hackney Design Awards have been launched, with nominations now open for best new buildings and public spaces in the borough.
The awards, which began in 2004, celebrate the best of the borough’s architecture and design, including new buildings, extensions, restorations, public space and landscaping projects in streets and parks.
2018’s winners include the Blackstone Building, comprising three stacked apartments with a lime, sand and ash stucco facade, the Amazon headquarters in Building 1 Principle Place, designed as a 21st Century warehouse, and De Beauvoir Block, a sensitive and sustainable restoration of an early 20th century industrial building.
A number of previous winners have gone on to be shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize.
The Council is encouraging people to nominate schemes that have inspired and impressed them. Anyone can nominate: architects, residents who live in newly developed homes, employees who enjoy their workplace, or young people who have become inspired by a new development near them.
A variety of different projects are eligible, ranging from residential to commercial or community use. The award panel will be looking out for schemes that demonstrate clear innovation in sustainability, inclusivity and heritage.
This year, to celebrate the work undertaken to support young people growing up in Hackney, the Council is also launching a dedicated Young People’s Choice Award category. This will champion the new developments that have enhanced the life of young people up to the age of 18, as well as buildings nominated by young people within the borough.
Nominations will be shortlisted and judged by an independent panel of architects and urban design experts and the awards will be announced later this year.
To be eligible for an award, buildings or projects must be from Hackney and must have been completed and in use in the last two years.
The long-running Hackney Design Awards are an established part of the Council calendar, which celebrate the very best of design in Hackney's built environment. This year is no exception, and despite the ongoing situation with coronavirus, which has seen many construction projects halted or delayed, Hackney has still seen a number of great projects delivered.
We know the difference high quality architecture can make to the lives and experiences of young people living in the capital, so this year we’re also recognising the Young People’s Choice Award. The Design Awards are open to all and this year and I encourage everyone to nominate their favourite projects within their local area."
For more details and to make a nomination, visit the Hackney Design Awards page, email designawards@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 8106. Nominations will close on Tuesday 29 September.