Four innovative buildings have been announced as the winners of the Hackney Design Awards 2008. Adelaide Wharf, Hothouse, Lau Sun House and Shoreditch Prototype House were presented awards by architecture critic Rowan Moore and Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe at a glittering awards evening on Wednesday (4 Feb).
The awards are run by Hackney Council on a bi-annual basis and illustrate our commitment to the promotion and celebration of high quality design within the built environment. We were delighted to receive a total of 36 nominations. The judges short-listed 20 schemes, picking are four winners, two commendations and four mentions.
I know the judges had a very tough time choosing the four winners as the standard of entries was so high. Nominations came from all areas – the architects who designed the scheme, the residents who now inhabit the homes, people inspired by the look of a building, or school pupils.
This diversity of interest in the awards is at the heart of what they are about – recognising and celebrating good design. I’d like to say congratulations to the winners and to all the schemes that were short-listed. Their entries showcase the high quality of the innovative and award winning design we have across the borough.
These awards are so important because well designed buildings and public spaces don’t just look good – they help to improve quality of life for our residents and create strong neighbourhoods.