Civic Trust Awards open

By James Laverty - last updated on 2 July 2012
The Civic Trust Awards are given to outstanding examples of architecture and environmental design and are unique in that they take into account the benefit each project brings to its local area as well as considering the quality of its design. No monetary value.

The Civic Trust Awards celebrates the best in architecture, urban design, planning, landscape, public realm and public art projects that are sustainable, accessible to all users and make a difference to local communities by providing the design and facilities which have made better places for people.

Launched in 1959, the Civic Trust Awards is the oldest built environment award scheme in Europe and has rewarded over 6,500 projects worldwide.  In 2012, the Lyric Theatre Belfast was recognised by the Civic Trust Awards.

Entries are visited by local teams of assessors with their recommendations passed to a National Panel of experts, which comprise of built environment professionals, architects and inclusive design professionals, who confirm the final level of Award to ensure national and international consistency.  

The Civic Trust gives four categories of award:

  • Special Awards - are given to projects that are outstanding in a particular way, and are sponsored by a variety of organisations. Winners of Special Awards receive certificates and a plaque.
  • Awards - are given to projects that reach the highest standards in terms of both their design and their contribution to their environment or community. Winners of Civic Trust Awards receive a certificate and a plaque for permanent display on the award-winning site.
  • Commendations - are given to projects that are of an extremely high standard, but not quite worthy of an award. Winners receive a certificate.
  • Mentions - are given to projects that bring a notable social, cultural or economic benefit to their communities. Winners receive a certificate.

All schemes will be considered for The Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design, given in recognition of architect and founding figure of inclusive design, Selwyn Goldsmith.

Winning schemes will be announced at the 54 annual Civic Trust Awards Ceremony in Cardiff on Friday 1 March 2013, supported by Cardiff City Council. The prestigious event will see hundreds of leading international architects and built environment professionals gather in the City for a gala dinner and awards presentation.

For more information or to submit an application to the 2013 Civic Trust Awards, please visit the website www.civictrustawards.org.uk

The deadline for completed applications is Wednesday 12 September 2012