We had the pleasure of hosting the inaugural Architecture Today Awards – the first to recognise buildings that have stood the test of time – at The Bottle Factory.
The great and the good of UK architecture descended on the Old Kent Road to celebrate the buildings that have delivered best on their environmental, cultural and community ambitions. We’ve always had a bit of an obsession with the long-term impact and performance of our projects, so this was an opportunity too good to miss.
The Bottle Factory was the perfect backdrop for awards focussed on longevity. We’re bringing this overlooked 130 year-old former mineral water, lemonade and ginger beer bottling factory back to life, as a home for modern industry, after years of neglect.
Our long-term partner, grassroots Old Kent Road local advocate Nicholas Okwulu of Pempeople and Livesey Exchange, welcomed guests, sharing his experiences of working tirelessly to put community needs first.
And AT editor Isabel Allen announced the 10 winning projects, selected by an expert jury following an intensive day of live crits – all now available as video presentations providing an incredible permanent open learning resource, detailing the lessons that can be learnt from the way buildings adapt, evolve and perform.
The Architecture Today Awards represent a cultural shift away from celebrating newness and towards a focus on longevity. In stark contrast to most awards programmes, projects must have been in use for at least three years to be considered, and demonstrate a strong track record for delivering on their environmental, functional, community and cultural ambitions.
