The Harlow Architectural Design Awards (HADAs) have entered their final stage, with the announcement of a shortlist for the best residential and non-residential buildings in the town.
In total, more than 150 public nominations were received throughout October, all of which were considered and researched extensively by the HADA judging panel, before 6 buildings were chosen to make up a shortlist in each category.
The residential shortlist includes buildings at Orchard Croft and Old Orchard, The Chase, Vince Dunn Mews, Rose Crescent and Pennymead.
The non-residential category features Passmores Academy, Building C at Harlow College, the Owens-Illinois building, Harlow Playhouse, Thomas Moore RC Church and the Pearson building.
You can read more about all shortlisted buildings and vote for your favourites here.
Organised by Harlow Civic Society and sponsored by Places for People, the Harlow Architectural Design Awards (HADAs) aim to recognise the very best in residential and non-residential buildings in the town, as well as encouraging excellence in the design of Harlow’s future developments.
Sadly, not all of the nominated buildings could be selected for this year’s awards shortlist. The Square, for example, received significant support during the nomination phase, but, despite its cultural significance, did not impress the judges from an architectural perspective.
Paul McLintic, Secretary of Harlow Civic Society said: “There are so many important and well-known buildings in Harlow that, in getting down to our short lists, we have had to leave out buildings that some may feel are more deserving.
“That’s understandable as views will inevitably differ, and we wish to create discussion and stimulate thought about what is beautiful and what makes the town work from an architectural point of view. With this in mind we have picked what we feel is the best cross-section of six buildings in each category.”
Once the votes have been counted, the HADA panel will consider each building and select what, in the light of the voting, appears to be the best in each category. Winners will be announced at the Harlow Civic Society’s AGM in January 2017.