The Concourse, University of Sheffield, has won the ‘Outside Space’ Award at the internationally recognised FX Design Awards, announced at an online ceremony last night. A new award for 2021, this category recognises the best projects that improve our experience of outdoor space.
“The new space transforms the Concourse from an area to ‘pass through’, to one in which to stay and socialise.”
Functioning for many years as a featureless thoroughfare, The Concourse required an upgrade and improvement to the public realm. HLM’s design has injected life back into the space and created a vibrant, social and meaningful space for a variety of users and functions that occur through the University’s academic year.
The scheme has created an important civic space within the campus where people want to stay and socialise, providing an animated space during the day and at night.
Judged by a panel of 28 industry experts, the awards invite both British and international design talent from across the world to enter the very best projects and interior products. Organised by FX magazine, these coveted awards are one of the highlights of the design industry calendar.
Working with lighting designers Arup, the creative lighting promotes the use of space by creating a feeling of safety and security, providing a dynamic night-time streetscape. The regenerated under pass has been invaluable for students to take advantage of during COVID 19, allowing students to connect in a socially distanced way.
Alethea Ottewell, Landscape Architecture Lead, at HLM Architects, said, “Through thoughtful design we have created a space that responds to user requirements, providing a design that encourages social, learning and quiet activities. The new space transforms the Concourse from an area to ‘pass through’, to one in which to stay and socialise.”
See the full list of winners here: https://fxdesignawards.co.uk/#categories
