Trust Chair David Cox talks about the Awards

Awards brochure
(pdf: 314 kb)

Press release
(pdf: 22 kb)

Maggie Knight (client) and Keith Munro (designer) receive their awards from William Wilkins (centre) for the creation of Penarth's Washington Gallery 

The aim of the Local Design Awards is to encourage the recognition and celebration of good design in communities throughout Wales – not necessarily “outstanding” work, but design that is responsive to context in a way that deserves to be emulated. We asked civic societies to identify development and conservation projects that responded successful to a local sense of place and which met the needs of their intended users. It was to be local lay judgement that counted, not that of outside experts and professional leaders.
   An important context for the scheme was the Welsh Assembly Government’s 2003 advice note on Design (TAN 12). An important plank in the broader and very ambitious initiative that has seen the launch of a Welsh Design Commission, the advice note guides both developers and planning authorities. It is important that civic societies, which are proactive in the causes of sound planning, good design, and social and physical sustainability, recognise its importance. Accordingly, we asked societies to justify their selections against criteria derived from the advice note.
   All types and scales of projects could be nominated – conservation/re-use, shop fronts, new-build business, social, retail, educational and residential, as well as landscaping and floorscape schemes. The criteria that societies were asked to consider included:
•Response to local character and context
• Response to opportunities for innovative or contemporary design solutions
• Response to opportunities to clarify or improve the relationship between private and public space
• Accessibility to all
• User needs
• Sustainability and biodiversity, and
• Contribution to an enjoyable, safe and secure environment.
   As a first-time exercise we consider it has been successful in identifying local projects that have been positive and creative in design terms and in meeting a variety of needs. Some societies found it easier than others to couch their nominations in terms that reflected criteria ultimately defined by civil servants comfortable with the lexicon of architecture and urban design. Each project shows that quality can be achieved with a modicum of forethought. Any extra costs are reflected in added value – whether social or commercial.
   It is to be hoped that publicity arising locally from these awards will help encourage other schemes to match the quality that has been achieved. The scheme itself has great potential, and the Trust will be looking at how it may be developed to involve a greater number of societies and communities in Wales.

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