The second biennial 2012 Solent Design Awards are looking for stunning buildings, places or spaces across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight which inspire the community in a recession. Paul Grover, of the University of Portsmouth, explains : “Despite the recession, many projects have gone ahead with some brilliant designs; we hope that all our local authorities, architects, contractors and clients will all put forward schemes to show that design quality is as strong as ever.” Any project completed since April 2010 can be nominated and it can be anything from a public or commercial building, a housing development or a street scene improvement scheme. The Solent Design Awards are all about the encouragement of quality place-making and the search is on for schemes that create special places, lift communities and create richer experiences. Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Solent area are wonderful places to live and the Solent Design Awards will recognise new developments that add to the quality of life it offers, to the workplace experience and to the appreciation of the environment in which we live. In addition to the main awards, the public will get the chance to vote on their top design in a special poll. “We professionals will see the buildings or places in a particular context; it’s just as important that we see what the public think so we will be carrying out our online vote to select the ‘People’s Choice’ too,” adds Paul. “The first Solent Design Awards were very successful in identifying real quality,” he says. “We want to celebrate what good design is adding to the community in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Even in the most difficult economic times, good design matters more than ever - as it can add value without increasing costs.” The Awards are sponsored by the Barker-Mill Foundation, the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) and the University of Portsmouth. The Judging Panel is being finalised and will include top architects and academics. Bryan Avery, design director of Avery Architects, best known for IMAX London and the Museum of the Moving Image, and Professor Lorraine Farrelly, Deputy Head of the School of Architecture at the University of Portsmouth, have already been confirmed. Entries must be submitted by 7th September and full details and an application form can be found on www.solentdesignawards.org.uk. ENDS
