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Stirling Prize for Accordia Housing by ArchitectureWeek Pairing sensitively designed housing with generous open space, the architects of Accordia created an enduring residential development in Cambridge, United Kingdom, that embodies the inherent sustainability of livable communities. Their careful efforts have earned Accordia the Stirling Prize for 2008. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios designed the project with Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks Architects. This is the first residential project to receive the prestigious prize, now in its 13th year. "The development proves that good modern housing sells, that a committed local authority can have a very positive influence on the design, that a masterplan with a range of architects can be successful and that the very best architecture does not need to rely on gimmicks," applauded the Stirling Prize jury in its October 11 announcement. In addition to designing the majority of the buildings, Feilden Clegg Bradley also master-planned the scheme, which transformed a 9.5-hectare (23.5-acre) site formerly occupied by low-rise 1940s government buildings. Clustering 378 residential units at a density of 65 dwellings per hectare (27 per acre) allowed for a variety of communal green spaces on about one-third of the site. The three architecture firms each designed portions of the housing, ranging from apartment blocks to row houses and semi-detached houses, with 30 percent of the units designated affordable. Common use of Cambridge stock brick visually connects the buildings, while elements such as bold chimneys and copper roofs distinguish the work of the three firms. >>> Discuss this article in the Architecture Forum...
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