Stoke Newington Town Hall. Photo: stevecadman
Have you been walking around Hackney and seen an interesting building or public space? Chances are it’s been short-listed in the Hackney Design Awards 2010, and for the first time the public can vote as part of the People’s Choice Award.
Residents and visitors to the borough can get involved by choosing their favourite scheme from the short-list of twenty, including Clapton Library, Stoke Newington Town Hall and Hoxton Overground Station. The entry that receives the most votes will be announced as the People’s Choice at the awards ceremony in November.
The nominations were judged by experts in the field of architecture, including Kieran Long, architecture journalist, critic and teacher; and Lisa Rigg of the Hackney Society. The short-listed entries were chosen for their high quality, contemporary designs and contribution to the surrounding area.
City Academy. Photo: Bunch & Duke
The awards are run by Hackney Council once every two years, promoting and celebrating high quality design within the urban environment. The key note speaker at the awards ceremony will be leading architect Sir Terry Farrell.
Mayor Pipe said: “The Design Awards are a celebration of the great design and architecture in Hackney. The Council continues to encourage excellence in all development as we know that high quality buildings and public spaces make a real difference to our neighbourhoods.”
Mare Street road improvements. Photo: wirewiping
East London Lines asked Hackney residents and visitors whether they would be voting in the awards.
Nadia Talma, 30, of Hoxton, spoke of her delight to be involved: “I have actually voted in the awards – Hackney is a great place to live and I’m glad the public can have their say on their favourite places in the borough.”
Although David Senior, 23, of Tower Hamlets, hadn’t heard about the awards, he said: “It sounds really interesting though, I’ll take a look at the entries and see which one I like the best. I work in Hackney and it’s definately got some great architecture. It’s good the council are encouraging people to vote by giving away tickets to the ceremony as well.”
Hoxton Overground Station. Photo: Ewan-M
To vote for the People’s Choice Award, and be in with a chance of winning one of 10 pairs of tickets to the awards ceremony, visit the Design Awards website. The closing date to vote is Monday 25th October 2010.
