Entries are now being accepted for Aberdeenshire Council’s biennial awards focusing on innovative architectural design.
And, this year, the categories have been revised to mark the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.
The awards will thus focus on conceptual design rather than completed projects which has been the case in previous years.
It’s hoped the change will encourage more student entrants, contributing to the awards’ aim to encourage the very best in design for the future.
Entries will be assessed on their innovative design, deliverability, cost and sustainability by a judging panel.
This will include the chair and vice chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, the chair of Aberdeen Society of Architects, specialist advisors and the council’s director of Infrastructure Services.
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.
“By doing so, this will raise the profile and benefit of good design within our communities.
“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.”
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 councillors on May 27.
Their 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 a ceremony at Woodend Barn in Banchory on September 1.
More information and entry packs can be found on our website at:
http://bit.ly/ShireDA2016