The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched a new international award: Friendly Spaces Accessible to All. Entries are open until 31 March 2014. The award celebrates excellence in architecture that is accessible to all and respects the principles of universal design. The award will be presented to completed projects that have created attractive, inclusive and sustainable environments where the recognition of human diversity through friendly architectural expression has been central to the design process. Up to three medals and nine special mentions will be made in the following four categories:
- Public spaces
- Public and institutional buildings
- Private buildings
- Research (special award)
What work is eligible?
Built works completed since 1 January 2009 by architect members of UIA bodies (which includes the Australian Institute of Architects) that meet the criteria outlined below. Works may include new buildings and spaces, as well as the adaptive reuse of existing or historic buildings and places.
Eligible research (category four) must be research undertaken by an architect or architects that advances the theory and practice of universal design. Topics may include,but are not limited to, user participation in design, design forageing, anthropometric studies leading to built environment standards, post-occupancy evaluation based on human interaction, sensorial perception of the built environment, and also the development of universal design education for architects. The research must have been completed after 1 January 2012.
Criteria
Entries in categories one, two and three will be judged on overall design quality and particularly how the project has addressed huiman factors which make a place enjoyable and amedable to occupy and use. Research project entries will be judged on the practical application of the research to improve wquality of life through enhancement of design, or on the quality and effectiveness fo the educational program to advance education of architects.
Initial selection of projects will be done by a UIA-organized regional jury, with final selections done by an international jury representing all five UIA regions. The awards will be presented at the UIA Prize Ceremony at the UIA Congress in Durban on 6 August 2014.
Download the submission and entry details or go to the UIA website.
