The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the winners of its annual National Awards and European Awards. There’s total of 56 winners – 44 from the UK and 12 from elsewhere in Europe. Those 56 will be whittled down to 12, before one is given RIBA’s Sterling Award on October 16.
The majority of this year’s winners tend to be either large-scale public buildings, or small residential projects – with relatively few commercial and privately-owned buildings. RIBA’s judges are of the opinion that this polarization is a result of the recession, and it’s a trend that may well continue for some years.
“This year’s RIBA National Award winners show that exceptional architecture can be found anywhere: on any high street, in any village or town, and with any budget,” said RIBA President Stephen Hodder. “It is evident that each building on this year’s list has been a labor of love but worth every penny and effort.”
By Adam Williams
