News

Notts' design awards hat-trick

The rebuilding of the Minster School in Southwell, the largest new construction in the town since the 12th century, is one of three projects in Notts which has won a 2009 RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) award.

"I think it's impressive that Notts has got three of these awards," said Gwen Cottrell, regional director of RIBA for the East Midlands.
"It's been a bumper year for Notts and a bumper year for the region."

The New Art Exchange in Hyson Green for Black and Asian arts, and Highfields Automotive and Engineering Training Centre in Nottingham Science Park, both designed by architects Hawkins\Brown, have also won RIBA awards.
Mrs Cottrell said: "This just shows that the investment in recent years in the building environment is beginning to take off. It's the creativity that has gone into the design of these buildings.

"I think the architecture and the design of the spaces is fundamental to how we feel within a building. If there is good lighting and nicely proportioned spaces then it just builds up the self-worth and the self-esteem."
Mrs Cottrell said all three buildings also showed that good architecture could be achieved with minimal impact on the environment.

Tony Parr, Regional Chairman of RIBA East Midlands, said: "This is an absolutely fantastic result in a truly wonderful year for the region."
The three buildings will now compete to be named RIBA Stirling Prize Building of the Year.
claire.carter@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk


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