16 March 2016

Entries invited to Aberdeenshire Innovation, Architecture and Design Awards

Aberdeenshire Council’s well-established biennial design awards have this year been revised to mark the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

Entries are now being sought for the awards, which are focussing on conceptual design based on innovation, rather than completed projects as in previous years.

It is hoped this change will encourage more student entrants, contributing to the awards’ aim to encourage the very best in design into the future.

Projects must show exceptional quality and merit to receive an award and the general public will get to have their say on the award submissions. 

Entrants have to submit a supporting statement along with 3D visuals, elevations and floor plans mounted on boards.

Entries will be assessed on innovative design, deliverability, cost and sustainability by a judging panel.

This year that will comprise the Chair and Vice Chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC), the Chair of Aberdeen Society of Architects, specialist advisors and the council’s Director of Infrastructure Services.

The closing date for entries is April 15, with the first phase of judging scheduled to take place on April 19 and 20.

Shortlisted entrants will be asked to formally present their schemes to ISC councillors on May 27.

These presentations will be filmed and uploaded to the council’s website to allow the wider public to vote and comment on the shortlisted schemes.

The successful entries will receive formal recognition at an awards ceremony at the Woodend Barn in Banchory on September 1.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Planning and Building Standards, Robert Gray, said: “The revised awards in 2016 seek to encourage the very best in bold, innovative, sustainable design, to stimulate and develop a broader interest in architecture within Aberdeenshire, and by doing so raise the profile and benefit of good design within our communities.

“The format of the awards this year has been changed, not only to reflect the fact that we’re in the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, but also to encourage entries from those who have not yet taken a project to completion, such as students.

“Our Design Award scheme has operated since 1997 as a means of raising the profile of good design and has been an excellent means of not only stimulating greater awareness, but promoting excellence and innovation.

“We hope the revised awards will help to boost that even further.”

More information and entry packs can be found on Aberdeenshire Council's website.