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news AWARDS The world’s best public library to be awarded prize
The Danish Agency for Culture again awards the prize for world’s best public library in collaboration with Systematic. Applications are once again open for
the prize for world’s best public library. And, in 2015, the Danish Agency for Culture will again have the honour of handing out the “Public Library of the Year Award” – this year, with a new sponsor: the IT firm Systematic, which is donating $US 5,000. The prize is given to a library some-
where in the world that has been newly constructed or designed for a building that has not previously been used as a library and which meets the criteria for the Model Programme for Public Libraries. This means that the library must take digital developments and local
culture into consideration. The library must welcome a diversity of population groups with an open and functional architectural expression in balance with its surroundings and a creative use of IT to improve user experiences. The architecture prize was launched
in 2014 as a part of the Model Programme for Public Libraries for the Danish Agency for Culture. The prize was awarded for the first time at the annual meeting of The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in Lyon, France – that time, with the architectural firm of schmidt hammer lassen architects as sponsor. The prize will be awarded again in 2015 at the IFLA’s annual meeting in cooperation with the IFLA´s Public
Library Section. This time, the meeting will be held in Cape Town, South Africa. Candidates for the “Systematic –
Public Library of the Year Award” may apply as of 15 April 2015, and the deadline for applications is 15 June 2015. The library must be a new public
library. This means that it must have been completed during the period 1 January 2013 through 15 June 2015. The definition of a new library in this connection is a library that has been newly built from scratch, or a library that has been set up in premises that have not previously existed as a library. For more information, please visit:
wwwarchitectsdatafile.co.uk and enter reference number 98474.
Hoxton Hall returned to its former glory
A major £2.5million restoration project has been completed at Hackney’s historic Hoxton Hall. Partly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the work has returned the Grade II* listed Victorian Music Hall to its former glory. As part of the masterplan by Foster Wilson Architects for the building’s phased development, the sensitive repair and conservation works have resulted in a unique performance and events space for the local community. Contractor Fairhurst Ward Abbotts (FWA) was
appointed to carry out the 11 month project, which was completed while Hoxton Hall remained open as a ‘ Young Hackney' Hub, focusing on the creative industries. The specialist work included opening up the top balcony for the first time in 45 years, increasing capacity by over 200 per cent, refurbishing the entrance area, soundproofing the basement music room, and installing improved mechanical and electrical services. Matt Dauncey, director at FWA said: “Hoxton Hall has
served the community for over 150 years, and although it was still in use, needed to be restored, repaired and modernised to secure its future. “Instead of replacing historic features, we’ve returned
many of them to the way they were in the 19th century, including the balcony railings, ironwork and floorboards. In the main hall, we have also recreated Victorian sun burners
that draw the hot air out of the hall. “Ensuring that the local community can continue to use
this fantastic and much valued building has been particularly rewarding and will ensure that people of all ages can benefit from more modern facilities and surroundings.” Edmund Wilson, partner at Foster Wilson Architects,
said: “Hoxton Hall is one of Britain’s few surviving Victorian music halls. Working with contractors Fairhurst Ward Abbotts and specialist consultants to realise these plans, we have uncovered the building’s rich history and the result is a beautifully restored theatre space fit for
modern use.” Hayley White, former group director at Hoxton Hall
added: “With the support of many funders and a lot of hard work from the architects, design team, contractors, staff and board, the project has done much more than repair the Music Hall and adjoining rooms. We have modernised, conserved, preserved, restored and made it more accessible, all while keeping true to the history of the Music Hall. “Hoxton Hall is a unique and very special building, and
we look forward to welcoming many Londoners through the doors in the coming months and indeed years.” The improvements at Hoxton Hall were designed by
Foster Wilson Architects following consultations with local community groups, youth forums and residents.
respond online at
www.architectsdatafile.co.uk
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