Twenty-four strong contenders for 2009 Prime Minister’s Award
The 24 projects shortlisted for this year’s Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award show that ‘the architecture of the everyday ‘ – streets, schools bridges and stations – is generating some of the most imaginative and beautiful design in Britain.
The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, said: ‘These projects show how creative design can make a real difference to how buildings and places work and can deliver public buildings that the community can take pride in.’
This is the biggest ever shortlist. CABE’s chair, Sir John Sorrell, said: ‘Most clients will no longer accept badly conceived, lowest cost solutions, even in a recession. The result is that we have a myriad of examples of well designed buildings and spaces: an architecture of the everyday that helps people live more convenient lives in more beautiful places.’
The Prime Minister's Award for Better Public Building
Good design is more than good looks: it means that buildings and spaces function in a way that adds to the quality of life for those who use them. Now in its ninth year, the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award recognises new buildings, places and spaces that improve the delivery of public services, give a sense of identity and community, are a source of local pride, and help build a sustainable future.
The award is made annually to a new building project of any size and budget commissioned by or on behalf of central or local government or by a grant-aided organisation. Uniquely, it rewards excellence in both design and procurement from across the public sector.
The Better Public Building initiative
The Better Public Building initiative was launched by the Prime Minister in 2000 to encourage high-quality design in all new public building.
