Holcim invites entries for global awards on sustainable construction projects

By Darshana Abayasingha
Holcim Lanka announced the launch of the second Holcim Awards to promote sustainable construction globally. Seven entries from Sri Lanka qualified for the competition last year, in this initiative of the Swiss-based Holcim Foundation to encourage and inspire a built environment that addresses the challenges of sustainability.

Entries to the global competition could be submitted until 29 February 2008, with a chance to win at regional and global level. Holcim Lanka is hopeful of increased participation from Sri Lanka, and encourages students from universities of Moratuwa and Peradeniya, the Sri Lanka Institute Of Architects and project owners to apply.

Speaking in Colombo, Edwards Schwarz, General Manager Holcim Foundation, stressed on projects achieving ecological quality, social equity, economic performance and aesthetical impact. Last year’s global Gold Award winners included an urban integration project in Caracas, Venezuela, and a proposed design for a new railway station in Stuttgart, Germany. Schwarz added that the Holcim Awards had brought about renewed interest and much-needed funding for several projects around the world. The awards are open to anyone involved with projects in the area of sustainable construction, and all building projects are eligible for competition if construction has not started before June 1 2007. In addition to construction projects, the programme also awards visions and ideas at concept level. The last category is open for professionals below 35 years.

Holcim Lanka Managing Director/CEO, Peter Spirig, told The Bottom Line that his company was in discussion with local students and agencies to encourage participation. Spirig pointed out that Sri Lanka had a number of projects at concept level that would benefit the country on a broad scale, and one of these was the proposed Panchikawatte township development project. “It is a pity this project, and even others, have remained a proposal for such a long time,” Spirig said.

Submissions could be made online, and the entries would be evaluated by independent juries from five regions around the world. They would employ a five-point definition of sustainable construction. One target issue applies specifically to building; the creation of good buildings, neighbourhoods and cities. The prize money for this year’s five regional competitions and global awards totals US $ 2 million.