CBRE and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) are calling for entries for this year’s ULI Excellence in Placemaking awards. The awards recognise the efforts of organisations and communities that seek to improve their local communities through placemaking projects that contribute to the betterment of the public realm. The competition, which is now in its fourth year, shortlists the best examples of placemaking with prizes for the best community project and best public/private sector project in each province. All prize winners receive a trophy while the overall national winner secures a prize of €5,000 to invest in further placemaking efforts within their locality.
As in previous years, entries for the 2022 competition will be judged by an independent jury drawn from the ranks of Ireland’s planners, architects and academia. Jurors will operate independently of CBRE and ULI Ireland, applying the highest standards of evaluation and professional practice as reflected in the code of ethics of the Urban Land Institute.
More information on how to enter this year’s competition can be found by visiting
https://www.cbre.ie/en/about-cbre/uli-cbre-excellence-in-placemaking-awards or by emailing excellenceinplacemaking@uli.org
The closing date for entries to this year’s competition is September 4th and the competition’s winners will be invited to receive their awards at a prizegiving ceremony in the autumn.
Commenting on the launch of this year’s awards, Kevin Nowlan, chairman of ULI Ireland, said: “These awards tie in with some of the key objectives of the Urban Land Institute in terms of identifying, showcasing and celebrating good design and placemaking in urban landscapes. The projects that have stood out in recent years are those that promote health and wellbeing, offering ‘connectivity, permeability and accessibility’ for all while also promoting the best in architecture and design. The best projects are both architecturally beautiful and strong on design.”
Willie Norse, executive director at CBRE, added: “It is so important for the future of our built environment that we understand and champion great placemaking and sustainability efforts. I am delighted that CBRE are once again working with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to recognise and reward those in the public and private sector who are building communities and creating amazing places.”
The winners of the various categories in last year’s competition were as follows:
Dublin
Best Public/Private Sector Project – Dublin Landings Scheme, Dublin Docklands
Best Community Project – Turvey Park Project, Dublin 8
Honourable Mention – Inchicorchards – Fruit Trees for Inchicore Project
Rest of Leinster
Best Public/Private Sector Project – Abbey Quarter Riverside Garden & Skate Park, Kilkenny
Best Community Project – Sona Sasta Meals on Wheels, Summerhill, Co Meath
Honourable Mention – Navan Outdoor Parklet Project
Munster
Best Public/Private Sector Project – Tralee Regeneration Project, Tralee, Co Kerry
Best Community Project – Ballysteen Carnegie Library Development, Limerick
Ulster
Best Public/Private Sector Project – Belfast Entries Project – Belfast City Council
Best Community Project – Divis Back Path – Falls Residents’ Association
Honourable Mention – Rossmore Forest Park, Monaghan
Covid-inspired project
Best Covid-Inspired Project – Pass Freely Exhibition by Asbestos – Hugh Lane Gallery
Honourable Mention – Dún Laoghaire Summer Streets Project
Overall National Excellence in Placemaking Award Winner 2021
Abbey Quarter Riverside Garden & Skate Park, Kilkenny
