Inclusive Environment Award 2016 short list announced

CIC has announced the shortlist for the first Inclusive Environment (CIC-IE) Award, the winner of which will be announced at the Construction Industry Summit Dinner on 20 September 2016.

This “award of awards” celebrates exemplar schemes and projects previously recognised by a CIC member professional body or a CIC member built environment stakeholder and complements the Royal Society of Arts Inclusive Cities Student Design Award by inspiring professionals already in practice to help raise the standard of inclusivity achieved across the industry. The CIC-IE Award recognises buildings, places and spaces which demonstrate best practice in achieving an inclusive environment - an environment which is safe, flexible and accessible for all.

The shortlisted entries are:

Hadleigh Park Olympic Mountain Bike Legacy Project
This project is a lasting sporting and green infrastructure legacy from the Olympic Mountain Bike Park. It offers local residents and visitors the opportunity and encouragement for greater participation in sport, recreation and community activities, and is suitable for all abilities.

5 Pancras Square
5 Pancras Square is located in the heart of the Kings Cross Central transformation programme. It lies in the southern area of the site and the building consists of 13 storeys (including lower and upper ground floors) plus basement levels, of mixed public uses and the Civic Offices of the London Borough of Camden. A leisure centre, featuring two swimming pools, a fitness suite, studio space and associated changing facilities are spread across the basement and lower ground floors. An access centre and library is provided at upper ground and first floor levels.

Penarth Learning Centre
‘Education for all’ was the touchstone for the development of the Penarth Learning Community; the project has brought together the diverse learning environments for special education needs, alongside mainstream secondary school learning to create a high quality, contemporary educational environment that has provided wonderful opportunities for inclusiveness and shared educational experiences.

Main Image: Penarth Learning Centre

Professor John Nolan, CIC Chairman, commented: “I am delighted that CIC is hosting the inaugural Inclusive Environment Award and to be on the judging panel. The built environment can be a challenging place for older and disabled people, families with young children and even those of us who do not consider ourselves to be disabled. Inclusive design creates solutions that provide buildings, places and spaces that can be enjoyed easily, safely and with dignity by everyone. It goes beyond meeting minimum standards or legislative requirements and acknowledges that everyone benefits from improved accessibility.”

The award has been kindly sponsored by Skanska Plc.

The Judging Panel comprised of Eoin Burns, Planning Supervisor - Willmott Dixon, Ton Burton, Senior Partner - Gardiner & Theobald/CIC Deputy Chairman, Clare Devine, Executive Director Architecture, Built Environment and Design - CABE Design Council, Julie Fleck - BEPE Project Lead, John Nolan - CIC Chairman, Rachel Smalley, President - Access Association, Christine Townley, Chief Executive - Construction Youth Trust and Danna Walker - ARB.