The search is on for Harlow’s best buildings as the town turns 70!

In the year that Harlow celebrates it’s 70th birthday, the race is on once again to find the town’s best buildings in the second annual Harlow Architectural Design Awards. Sponsored by Places for People and organised by Harlow Civic Society, the awards set out to celebrate the best examples of current architecture, to encourage better design for the future of the town.

In this year’s Harlow Architectural Design Awards, the public is being asked to nominate its favourite new residential and non-residential buildings in Harlow and its surrounding villages; whether a home, a commercial or community building, or a mixed-use development. The building must have been completed between July 2016 and June 2017.

With nominations closing on 30 June, the public will then vote on the ultimate winner from a shortlist of entries, before an expert panel will use the results to select a winner in each category, to be announced at the Heart 4 Harlow Awards in October 2017.

The winning buildings’ architects will be presented with a custom-made glass trophy to retain for a year, designed by local artists from Parndon Mill; Harlow’s creative hub, as well as a commemorative plaque for display.

Paul McLintic, Secretary of Harlow Civic Society, said: “We are extremely excited to be launching the Harlow Architectural Design Awards for 2017. These awards give Harlow’s community the opportunity to highlight what makes the town special, and help ensure that future developments stay true to Harlow’s exceptional design heritage.

“Last year, we received more than 400 votes, and hope that even more people will be involved this year. We encourage everyone to have their say through the nomination process, to encourage a lively debate about the future look and feel of the town.”

Mary Parsons, Group Director of Placemaking and Regeneration at HADA sponsors Places for People, said: “Places for People is delighted to be sponsoring the Harlow Architectural Design Awards again this year. Strong and considerate design plays an important role in attracting people to a place, as well as influencing the quality of life for the people who live and work there.

“This year’s Awards provide an ideal opportunity to celebrate the best in existing architecture within the town, whilst encouraging future developers to create built spaces that further enhance Harlow and its unique character.”

This year’s competition launches at the start of a research project being conducted by students at Passmore’s Academy, as they map out the town’s developing architectural landscape in a video celebrating Harlow’s 70-year history. Paul Mclintic of Harlow Civic Society visited the school this week to discuss the awards, and inspire pupils to consider the impact of strong design on a town.

 

Vic Goddard, Headteacher at Passmores Academy, said: “We are delighted that Harlow Civic Society has engaged the school and our pupils in a project that recognizes Harlow’s unique architectural heritage.

“It’s vital that our young students gain an understanding of the town around them, its history and why it looks the way it does – this project will get everyone thinking about the built environment around them and I hope it inspires some real creativity.”

To nominate your favourite building completed in the past year, please visit our nominations page