Excellence in Design Awards 2023

The American Institute of Architects UK Chapter hosted the 2023 Excellence in Design Awards Ceremony at the Barbican on 18 May 2023. This year marked a special milestone. For over thirty years the AIA UK has organised the Excellence in Design Awards to celebrate architecture and design in not only the United Kingdom, but around the world.

Professional entries are sought from architects, industrial designers, urban planners, landscape architects and interior designers based in the UK for projects built anywhere in the world, and from practitioners based around the world for projects built in the UK.  Entrants are not required to be members of the AIA as long as the criteria are achieved.

Throughout the evening attendees could see a newly published, rolling slideshow of not only the many entrants received this year but also of submissions and winners from the past three decades. The collection of images from our archives will be made available for future reference.

The 2023 London jury was an assemblage of accomplished architects and engineers consisting of: 

• Patty Hopkins, Founder, Hopkins Architects

• Stefan Behnisch, Founding Partner, Behnisch Architekten

• Becci Taylor, Director, ARUP

• Sergio De Gaetano, Senior Principal, Thornton Tomasetti

• Alex Miller, Senior Associate Principal, KPF

• Margherita Giannoni, Iris Ceramica Group UK

True to the rich history of the awards, there were many exceptional submissions - making the task of the jury particularly difficult and challenging. The submissions ranged from private residences to corporate headquarters and even a selection of bridges. Beyond the base program, the submissions demonstrated a great diversity in scale, function and location. 

The following projects were selected by the Jury as winners:

Professional - Large Projects

Pears Building, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Hopkins Architects

Photography by Janie Airey

Photography by Janie Airey

Professional - Medium Projects

Eton College Sports and Aquatics Center, Hopkins Architects

Photography by Janie Airey

Photography by Janie Airey

Professional - Small Projects

The Saltmarsh House, Niall McLaughlin Architects

Photography by Nick Kane

Photography by Nik Eagland

Emerging Practice

The Cork House, Polysmiths

Photography by Polysmiths

Photography by Lorenzo Zandri

Exemplary Performance in Sustainability

Ombú, Foster + Partners

Photography by Nigel Young/Foster + Partners

Photography by Nigel Young/Foster + Partners

Iris Ceramica, a long time AIA UK sponsor, provided support for the design awards.

The Slideshow pictures below of Design Award attendees, etc., were taken by our event photographer.

Written by Taylor Rogers, AIA

AIA CONTINENTAL EUROPE SPRING 2023 CONFERENCE / Sicily Crossroads of Culture

Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. Photo Credit: L D King

When the Daily Telegraph announced in its 14 Apr 23 issue that Sicily was “The greatest island in the Med* (*according to science)”, attendance at AIA Continental’s 2023 Spring Conference in Catania, Italy, was a foregone conclusion, and NO ONE who signed up in advance was going to be put off by one badly behaved, erupting volcano…  In the event, Mount Etna’s temper tantrum – although it temporarily closed the airport just days before the conference opened on 25 May 2023 – merely left Catania with a coating of fine, gritty volcanic dust, easily swept away by its long-inured populace.  

Even so, it could be said that AIA CE’s conference week started off with a bang…

Catania has been defined by its seismic location.  In 1693, southeastern Sicily was struck by a catastrophic earthquake.  With remarkable fortitude, the island’s inhabitants rebuilt their cities in high baroque style that peppers their skylines with an array of domes, cupolas, campaniles and broken pediments.  The word baroque means imperfect pearl, but there was nothing imperfect about the overall effect.

Baroque Cathedral of Siracusa.  Photo Credits: L Korzilius / L D King

Although the classical cityscapes of Catania, Noto and Syracuse offered unlimited delight, the conference – true to its title – also presented the diversity of Sicily in a series of remarkable tours to multiple UNESCO world heritage sites.  The island clearly benefited from its location as the literal crossroads of Mediterranean cultures.  

First, Syracuse – Siracusa and the island of Ortigia – with its Greek temples and Spanish fort exemplifies the mixing of cultural artefacts.  The early church – one of the first Christian churches and the only one in continuous use from the classical period to the present day - grew around the ancient Greek temple to Athena, eventually encompassing it in an eerie blend of the ancient and less ancient. 

The Cathedral of Siracusa in Ortigia over the centuries has been a Greek temple, a church and a mosque before becoming a church again.  Photo Credits: L D King 

Second, a tour of Catania’s Monastero Dei Benedettini – now an educational facility - also highlighted a diversity of styles in one large complex, with its crypt hiding Greek and Roman fragments and modern structural engineering to complement the main baroque staircase. 

Monastero Dei Benedettini in Catania.  Photo Credits: L D King

Although the church’s treatment of column capitals – a Sicilian obsession  - left something to be desired, the monastery’s dome and courtyard captured the essence of tranquillity.  

Monastero Dei Benedettini in Catania.  Photo Credits: L D King AIA / L Korzilius FAIA

Third, the highlight of the conference was the tour of the Villa Romana del Casale outside Piazza Armerina.  The villa, located in the interior of Sicily in what was once a wealthy Roman province, was destroyed centuries ago, but subsequent landslides and floods preserved the remains of 3,500 m2 of one of the largest and most varied arrays of Roman mosaics in the world.  

 An assortment of Roman mosaics.  Photo Credits: L D King and RD Reber

Villa Romana was a hard act to follow, but Sergio Danese (a conference organiser along with fellow AIA CE member Barbara Di Gregorio) surprised the group with a special treat in the nearby hill town of Piazza Armerina.  What started out as a mundane pit stop at a mid-19th century theatre, turned first into a fun-filled cooking demonstration and then into a dazzling operatic performance, all in celebration of ‘pasta alla Norma’ – the Sicilian (and conference) staple consisting of pasta with aubergines in a tomato and basil sauce. 

Cuisine and opera; a Sicilian experience.  Photo Credits: A Miller (top) / L D King

Lest there is an impression that the Catania conference was essentially one big  holiday tour, rest assured a full program of distinguished speakers, lectures, panel discussions and building tours filled a 3-day weekend agenda with continuing education courses.  Those who attended the conference plus the Monday extension to Mirabella and Caltagirone earned 24 continuing education units. 

Lakisha Ann Woods, AIA CEO having her thoughts on emerging professionals translated into Italian. Video Credit: Alex Miller

As well as ancient monuments, modern architecture – complete with exquisite Italian interior design, sustainability features and Italian craftsmanship – also kept the attendees on their toes.

Clay and lava fused with glaze and hand painted at the NineFifty tile workshop / Frantoi Berretta olive oil producing site and luncheon venue.  Photo Credit: RD Reber / L D King

And – of course – plenty of time was left for social networking, culminating in the traditional Saturday gala dinner, held in the surrounding Sicilian countryside. 

The Gala Dinner, complete with Willie Nelson background music. Video Credit: Alex Miller

The Slideshow pictures below were taken by attendees Lorraine King, Lester Korzilius, Alex Miller and R D Reber.  They offer a mere tantalising glimpse of conference sites, city views and – most importantly – the ATTENDEES.

Just for fun, a few examples only give a hint of Sicilian column capital treatments…

If you are not aware of AIA CE’s conferences but are looking for a user-friendly way to earn significant continuing education units while indulging in a European city break, look them up on AIA CE’s website HERE. These international conferences are a bargain, and AIA UK members are always welcomed.  The Fall Conference will be held in central France.

Written by L D King, AIA

AIA UK/Beale & Co Sustainability Lecture - Net Zero: The Legal & Contractual Background

On Monday 17th April 2023 the AIA-UK continued its ongoing series of events exploring the nature, implications, and challenges of 'sustainability' in architecture, with a talk and discussion from the international construction law specialists Beale & Co. Partner Andrew Croft and Senior Associate Tim Kittow talked through the legal and contractual background to 'net zero', highlighting how these complex issues affect every stage of the architectural process, and how they will only become more significant as we seek to rigorously respond to the climate emergency. The event concluded with a wide-ranging Q+A.  We were delighted to have a variety of international members attending, which reflected the global interest in these vital contemporary issues. The event was recorded to allow more members to both benefit from these learnings, and to earn CE credits.

AIA UK Emerging Professionals Speed Networking: Inspiring Connections and Knowledge Exchange

Attendees and Guest Mentors at the Herman Miller London Showroom for the AIA UK Emerging Professionals Speed Networking 

On March 30th, the AIA UK Emerging Professionals (EP) hosted an exceptional event that left attendees buzzing with inspiration and new connections. The AIA UK EP Speed Networking event, held at the Herman Miller London Showroom, brought together a diverse group of about 40 participants, ranging from university students to early-career and experienced professionals, all driven by their passion for the architecture and built environment industry.

The event was designed to foster meaningful connections, provide valuable mentorship, and create a knowledge-sharing platform. Drawing from the expertise of esteemed guest mentors, the event aimed to inspire and guide participants on their professional journeys. These guest mentors, who themselves were part of the diverse range of participants, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

The evening commenced with warm welcomes, accompanied by light refreshments courtesy of Herman Miller, our generous sponsor. This created a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged networking and laid the foundation for fruitful interactions throughout the event.

The highlight of the evening was the speed networking activity, where participants were divided into small groups. Each group had the opportunity to spend approximately 10 minutes conversing with and learning from the guest mentors. This format allowed for focused discussions, enabling attendees to gain insights, advice, and inspiration from professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The conversations were dynamic and invigorating. Adrienne Lau (Senior Associate and Project Leader at Heatherwick Studio)'s discussions on masterplanning and urbanism sparked ideas about creating impactful projects that shape cities and communities. Carlos Luis Gomez Gonzales (Partner at Foster+Partners) captivated participants with his knowledge and expertise in architectural visualizations and story making, emphasizing the importance of creating compelling narratives through design. Cristina Sanchez Jimenez (BIM Manager at Lendlease) shed light on the world of building information modeling (BIM), showcasing its role in streamlining construction processes and enhancing collaboration. 

Golnaz Ighany (Architect-Sustainability Director at BDP) shared her expertise on sustainable design strategies, inspiring attendees to prioritize environmentally responsible practices in their work. Jennifer Durand (Designer at Zaha Hadid Architects) opened doors to the realm of digital tools and parametric design, showcasing the power of computational design in pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation. Stephen Drew (Founder of Architecture Social)'s guidance on career development and early career recruitment advice resonated with participants, empowering them to take charge of their professional journeys. The guest mentors' collective knowledge and expertise created an environment of learning, growth, and inspiration.

Feedback from both participants and mentors was overwhelmingly positive. The event succeeded in creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and learning. Participants exchanged ideas, sought guidance, and found common ground with professionals from different corners of the industry. This nurturing environment laid the foundation for future collaborations and mentorship opportunities.

The AIA UK EP Speed Networking event wasn't just about making connections; it emphasized the importance of building bridges and supporting one another in our journeys as emerging professionals. By bringing together mentors and participants, we fostered an environment that encouraged growth and innovation.

The AIA UK EP firmly believe that events like these are crucial for shaping the future of our industry. We are committed to providing platforms where aspiring professionals can connect, learn, and thrive. Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to come, as we continue to inspire and support the next generation of architects and built environment professionals.

Written by Paolo Mendoza, Assoc. AIA

AIA UK JOINS THE WREN CONVERSATION / Wren’s International Influence and Contemporary Relevance

The conversation was held in St Mary Aldermary in Bow Lane.  One of London’s oldest churches, it was rebuilt by Christopher Wren in 1666 after the Great Fire in an uncharacteristic Gothic style.  Ticket sales for the conversation supported the charitable activities of the Square Mile Churches and the World Monument Fund.  Photo credit: L King AIA

The AIA UK Chapter is committed to providing Continuing Education events for its membership based on a broad spectrum of interests.  So, when the World Monument Fund Britain invited the Chapter to support the final event in its 3 part series marking the 300th anniversary of Christopher Wren’s death, the response was an immediate ‘yes, please’.  This was a chance to see architecture from the rarefied perspective of critics, writers and historians, far removed from the day to day grind of working drawings, client meetings and construction delays…

The conversation held on 27 Apr 2023 took the form of a panel discussion between EDWIN HEATHCOTE (chair), the Architecture and Design Critic of The Financial Times; LLOYD GROSSMAN, President of the Arts Society; ALEX BREMNER, Professor of Architectural History at the University of Edinburgh; and ANNABELLE SELLDORF, Architect of the current works at the National Gallery.  

Selldorf is, of course, known to the AIA UK Chapter for last November’s Keynote Lecture.   Read more about her lecture HERE. 

From left to right: Edwin Heathcote, Lloyd Grossman, Annabelle Selldorf, Alex Bremner in conversation.  Photo credit: L King AIA

Wren’s influence throughout the world - but primarily in the United States - started with St Paul’s Cathedral, completed in 1710.  According to one speaker, Wren’s singular treatment lent a quintessentially English interpretation to the classical elements.  Wren’s use of brick in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, completed in 1692, created a warm ‘homey’ feel that also found favour in colonial America.  

The American architect Charles Bulfinch was inspired by the cathedral’s facade to design the Massachusetts State Capital, completed in 1798.  Other architects followed Bulfinch’s example and then… Well, the rest is architectural history, lots of it.  

Without referencing other countries with a British colonial past; without mentioning the plethora of small, clapboard and spired churches across America; without reviewing ALL 50 US capitals, the random images in the following slideshow exemplify Wren’s influence on the new, capital building type with variations on the basic elements of dome, portico and symmetry.

Less developed – perhaps due to time restraints – was discussion on Wren’s relevance to today’s, international designers.  To the direct audience question, ‘who might we be celebrating in the next 100 years’, the panel was less forthcoming with no one willing to make a definitive response, although there were some tantalising hints.  Overall, it was a question that left the audience members room to speculate on their own.

On July 12th, the World Monument Fund Britain will be giving its Annual Mellon Lecture asking the question, ‘can we and should we protect irreplaceable heritage at all costs, or do we need an honest conversation about celebrating the past, managing change and, on occasion, saying goodbye’.  

The lecture will take a particular look a Hurst Castle on the English Hampshire coast, subject to intensive damage erosion due to the impact of climate change on sea levels. It should be an interesting mix of conservation and sustainability.

Written by Lorraine King, AIA 

Winter Movie Nights

RAMS

The much-loved movie night series are one of the best ways for our members to earn continuing education credits in a relaxed manner, and a premier event in the AIA UK yearly programme. As winter held its grip on the kingdom, much needed respite from the daily rigmarole came in the form of our first movie of the 2023 Series: Rams.

This is a documentary portrait of Dieter Rams, one of the most influential designers alive, and a rumination on consumerism, sustainability, and the future of design.

“Indifference towards people and the reality in which they live is actually the one and only cardinal sin in design.” – Dieter Rams

For over fifty years, Dieter Rams has left an indelible mark on the field of product design and the world at large with his iconic work at Braun and Vitsoe. The objects Dieter has designed have touched the lives of millions of people––so many of us have had a Braun coffeemaker, shaver, stereo, calculator, speakers, or alarm clock. Or an Oral-B toothbrush. Or a Vitsoe 606 shelving system. Or any of the hundreds of other products Dieter has designed or overseen the design of.

His work has influenced the way most of today's consumer products look and function. The computer or phone you're reading this on looks the way it does because of Dieter Rams. Dieter's influence also extends to his "Ten Principles of Good Design," a list of edicts that champions simplicity, honesty, and restraint, and still applies to design theory and practice today.

Our movie series cover all aspects of design and not just architecture. Both members and non-members in attendance were thoroughly impressed by the documentary on this visionary designer. There were lively and critical discussions of Dieter Rams’ work and philosophies, especially his advocacy for the ideas of environmental consciousness and long-lasting products. Also debated were his views on today's unsustainable world of over-consumption, where "design" has been reduced to a meaningless marketing buzzword. The audience found the documentary enlightening and very engaging.

MAKING SPACE - 5 WOMEN CHANGING THE FACE OF ARCHITECTURE

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry!

Scheduled to be screened on Tuesday 07 April 2023, this movie was to coincide with International Women's Day. Unfortunately the BFI Stephen Street had staffing issues, and so the movie had to be postponed at the last minute. We finally screened it on the last Tuesday in April to an almost sold-out cinema! The month-long wait was not in vain after all.

For the first time in history, women are creating some of the most exciting architectural designs in the world. How have they navigated their way to the top? What is the nature of their creative process? Are there gender differences in architectural design?

Making Space is a full-length documentary film about five dynamic and accomplished female architects: Annabelle Selldorf (New York), Marianne McKenna (Toronto), Kathryn Gustafson (Seattle and London), Farshid Moussavi (London), and Odile Decq (Paris). Come with us on this intimate journey as we see how these women are transforming the landscape of the 21st Century.  

This movie was inspiring if I were to sum up the reviews at the end. It broke the record of our longest post-movie debate to date, and the discussion could have carried on much longer. The attendees were inspired, and many of the women especially, shared their experiences of working in architecture and design practices. Lively discussions about gender differences and issues in the architecture & design fields ensued, as well as what changes could be adopted. 

This documentary brought the Winter/Spring movie series to an exciting close, and we can't wait to welcoming you back to the Autmn series. 

Many thanks to all our members and the non-members who continue to support the movie night series, and make them a success!

Written by Christopher Musangi, AIA