Recognition for city’s new buildings.

There was further praise last night for Birmingham’s new buildings when the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced the winners of the RIBA Regional Awards for 2014. Eight West Midlands buildings won RIBA West Midlands Regional Awards in recognition of their architectural excellence from the 11 buildings which were shortlisted. The prestigious awards ceremony and dinner took place at The Library of Birmingham.

The winning buildings included the Library of Birmingham, Parkside at Birmingham City University, the Lighthouse and Waverley School, Bordesley Green,

Gavin Orton, RIBA West Midland regional chair said: “The range of buildings on show this year was very impressive. Perhaps the Library of Birmingham catches the eye but the diversity of projects, from the Bus Station in Stoke-on-Trent to the Primary School in rural Herefordshire, all benefit from the talent, creativity and skill of local Architects. These Awards demonstrate the value that an Architect can bring to any project and I’m delighted that yet again, we’ve had such a fascinating and interesting range of schemes in this region”.

The Libray of Birmingham, also won Building of the Year, with its architect Patrick Arends winning the award for emerging architect and the city council named client of the year for their work in commissioning the project,

RIBA West Midlands Regional Award winners will also be considered for a highly-coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced in June. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning buildings later in the year.