Architecture Week 2006

14 July 2006

Architecture Week 2006 launched

Renowned British architect, Sir Richard MacCormac, is to launch the Jersey Architecture Week 2006 programme in the Royal Square on Wednesday 19 July at 1300hrs.

Architecture Week, which will include the Jersey Design Awards, is a biennial joint initiative of the Minister for Planning & Environment and the Association of Jersey Architects. The week - from 02 to 07 October 2006 - is designed to promote and celebrate excellence in design in Jersey , and to stimulate debate and greater awareness about architecture and design.

Sir Richard MacCormac, whose practice MacCormac Jamieson Prichard is responsible for acclaimed architecture including the Wellcome Wing of the London Science Museum; Southwark Underground Station on the Jubilee Line; the redevelopment of the BBC’s Broadcasting House as well as the Jersey Archive, is one of a number of renowned architects who will feature in this year’s Architecture Week Programme. Minister for Planning and Environment, Senator Freddie Cohen, and President of the Association of Jersey Architects, Mike Waddington will announce the details of the programme for Architecture Week at the launch.

Architecture Week will run from 02 - 07 October 2006 and feature a series of lectures by prominent international architects, backed by discussion groups which will involve the people of Jersey in the debate on what constitutes ‘Good Design’. It is part of the Planning and Environment Minister’s aim to raise the overall quality of design of building in Jersey, an objective which is wholeheartedly supported and endorsed by the AJA. “The importance of high quality design cannot be over stated” said Planning Minister, Senator Freddie Cohen. “Jersey has a proud architectural heritage which we should celebrate. At the same time we must be aware of how we can use innovative thinking in new buildings to reflect the character of the Island and to ensure Jersey’s place on the architectural map. It is important that we maintain the impetus of this initiative.”

The programme is also designed to stimulate debate and provoke thought. The siting of six stacked shipping containers in the Royal Square, and a series of breakfast discussions on hot local design issues – such as the St Helier Waterfront – will engage the public and help to raise awareness and interest in the significance of architecture on our environment and our lives.

The culmination of the week will be the Design Awards, which will take place in St James Centre at 1930 hours on Friday 06 October 2006, where that which is good about design in Jersey will be recognized and celebrated. Entries for the Design Awards - which are made to architects, contractors and clients by the Minister for Planning and Environment in recognition of good design - are open to all projects completed within the last two years.

Contacts

Senator Freddie Cohen 07797 714550

Minister for Planning and Environment

Mike Waddington 766788

President of the Association of Jersey Architects