Mecanoo’s Library of Birmingham for Birmingham City Council was presented the Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design at the ceremony for the 2015 Civic Trust Awards on Friday 6th March.
The Selwyn Goldsmith Award recognises and rewards buildings or spaces that have been designed to ensure they consider the needs of all users, are safe and convenient for everybody, including disabled people. Named after architect and founding figure of universal design, Selwyn Goldsmith, this year’s award has been sponsored by Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“By considering inclusion as an important part of the visitor experience as a whole and not just in the building fabric, the team have delivered a building that is as functional and welcoming for all visitors and staff as it is visually striking. It is the creation of a community facility that offers such an inclusive visitor experience that led [the Library of Birmingham] to be a deserving winner of this year’s Selwyn Goldsmith Universal Design Award.”
Iain McKinnon
Senior Manager - Accessibility and Inclusive Design Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, member of the Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design Judging Panel
The 56th Annual Civic Trust Awards Ceremony was held on Friday 6th March at The Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. From 238 applications, 91 national and international projects were rewarded with a Civic Trust Award or Commendation. The Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design was one of 8 Special Awards that were presented to projects that have demonstrated outstanding credentials in specific areas.