Submitted by Catrin Darsley on Thu, 2014-10-02 16:35
Aecom has won the ‘Future Projects – Masterplanning’ Award of the Year for the North West Cambridge Development masterplan at the World Architecture Festival 2014 in Singapore.
"We are thrilled that the AECOM masterplan has been recognised at the World Architectural Festival. The masterplan reflects the character and qualities of Cambridge that we anticipate will see the development, the University, and Cambridge into its next chapter." Roger Taylor, Project Director of the North West Cambridge Development
The masterplan was selected by a jury of some of the world's most dynamic architects and designers, winning the competition from a shortlist of ten entries. The jury commended the project, saying: “The masterplan is a highly competent response to an enlightened client brief, with a well resolved sustainability and landscape strategy, and incorporates socially sustainable mix-uses. The project stood out for its environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity.”
As the largest capital development that the University has undertaken in its 800- year history, the 150 hectare site includes up to 1,500 affordable homes for University and College staff, 1,500 private homes, accommodation for 2,000 post--graduates, 100,000 sqm of academic and commercial research space, a primary school, community centre, hotel, senior living, parklands, playing fields, sustainable transport and an extensive cycle network. The masterplan takes into account how people’s lives shape and are shaped by their environments to develop a scheme that reflects the collegiate urbanism intrinsic to Cambridge.
Jonathan Rose, Principal, Design & Planning at AECOM said: “The University of Cambridge gave us a robust brief to address connectivity, community, character and climate, while being mindful of the UNESCO-listed town centre and unique university setting. Since construction commenced a year ago we have watched our masterplan come alive and it is an honour to have our work recognised by WAF’s panel of architects and designers who are at the top of their game.”
Outline planning permission for the masterplan was granted in 2013 and construction of the first phase is currently underway. Phased completions will take place from 2015 and the full development is expected to be delivered by 2030.