News

RIBA and CABE launch new award

28th January 2008

RIBA and CABE have launched the RIBA CABE Public Space Award.

Any well designed and innovative public space is eligible. These external spaces need to be publicly accessible but can be urban or rural; publicly or privately owned; designed, redesigned or refurbished for public use. The award is part of the annual RIBA Awards and is sponsored by CABE.

RIBA’s President, Sunand Prasad said: “The quality of public space, no less than the quality of buildings, defines the character of the places we inhabit. Unfortunately the design of spaces in between buildings has too often been neglected.

“The best examples of such design tend to arise from creative collaboration such as that between architects, landscape architects, urban designers, artists and highway engineers. This award, by recognising this hugely important area of design, will help raise consciousness about place making and the value of public space.'

Design teams must include an architect member of the RIBA and first enter and win an RIBA Award in order to be considered for the new prize. The schemes will then be considered by a specialist jury including Sarah Gaventa Director of CABE Space.

Sarah Gaventa, Director of CABE Space said: “Public spaces reflect and shape the character and quality of our cities. We use them everyday so they must be the best they can be. As more cities and growth areas are regenerated, the need for successful spaces is more urgent than ever. The RIBA CABE Public Space Award will highlight those exemplar spaces that enrich communities and help create real places.”