Aberdeenshire Design Awards

Aberdeenshire Council recognises that good design is important to the public realm and in a wider context believes that development must be of benefit to the people. The aspirations of the Aberdeenshire Design Awards are to encourage the very best in environmental design, to stimulate and develop a deeper and broader interest in our traditional and recent architectural surroundings, and to improve the built environment within Aberdeenshire, thus raising the profile and benefit of good architectural design within our communities.

The 2012 Aberdeenshire Design Awards

Nominations for the 2012 Design Award Scheme have formally commenced on 17 October 2011. If you require assistance in completing the online nomination form please do not hesitate to contact Mr Shaun Norman (Environment Planner North) 01467 628632 or alternatively Ms Clare Tierney (Environment Planner South) 01569 768291

View the Application Form Here

• Aberdeenshire Design Awards 2012 Guidance Notes (pdf 566kb)

The closing date for nominations is 17th February 2012

The first phase of the judging process is intended to take place on the 20 April 2012

The second phase of the judging process is intended to take place on the 16th & 17th July 2012

The Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 6th September 2012

Examples of previous winners can be viewed in the 2010 winners brochure.

• Aberdeenshire Council Design Awards 2010 winners brochure (pdf 5.64mb)

What is eligible for a 2012 Aberdeenshire Design Award?

The Aberdeenshire Design Awards are given to outstanding design achievements in the categories of Housing, Business, Conservation, Rural Landscape Development, Sustainability, Craftsmanship and Public Art. Within the remits of the categories new build, regeneration, conservation, restoration, conversion and extensions may all be considered eligible.

Tiers of Design Award

Aberdeenshire Council awards three tiers of Design Award: Distinction; Highly Commended and Commended:

• Distinctions are awarded to projects that make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of their immediate and surrounding environment.
• Highly Commendeds are awarded to projects that make a valuable contribution to the quality and appearance of the local environment
• Commendeds are awarded to projects that make a contribution to the quality and appearance of the local environment

Categories of Project

Housing

The award will be given to nominations that demonstrate consideration to surroundings, response to site constraints and opportunities, parking solutions, external appearances, finishes, detailing and workmanship. Nominations may include single houses, house extensions, house conversions or innovative methods of layout of new housing development.

Business

In this category new build, extension or conversion of buildings or other structures for retail, industrial, office or other non-residential use will be considered.

Conservation

The award will be given to nominations that demonstrate exemplary work of a high architectural standard and make a substantial contribution to the local environment. Nominations may include alterations, extensions or conversions of old or traditional buildings, as well as new buildings which have been designed to fit into a Conservation Area or to be closely associated with a Listed Building

Rural landscape development

This category's nominees must demonstrate innovative and sympathetic treatment of a project with quality of workmanship and the materials used being a foremost consideration. The project must exhibit an improved environment for its users. Nominations may include buildings for agriculture, forestry or recreational use, or works including landscaping associated with new or redeveloped buildings, environmental improvement, land reinstatement, landscape management or recreational facilities.

Sustainability

This Award will be given to projects that demonstrate the best application of the principles of sustainable design and construction, including the re-use of land and existing buildings, the recycling of construction materials, energy consumption and/or carbon footprint. Eligible projects may include contemporary design of both new build and conversions.

Craftsmanship

Awards for high standards of craftsmanship in the execution of developments may be applied for separately, or awarded subsequently by the judging panel.

Public art

This may include artworks within the fabric of a building, including lighting features or floorscapes or boundary features, free-standing sculptures and temporary installations. Emphasis will be placed on the quality of material and the impact on the surrounding environment.