SSDA 2007
39th Structural Steel Design Award Winners
Judges of the 2007 Structural Steel Design Awards were impressed by the skills and professionalism of the project teams, together with the clients whose vision and determination has been vital.
Judges said yet again there was a marvellous set of short-listed structures, including dramatic footbridges which lift spirits, a museum, an iconic theatre in London and a garden pavilion, all showcasing steelwork’s astonishing versatility and effectiveness.
The winners were presented with their Awards by televison and radio presenter Katie Durham at a ceremony held at Old Billingsgate, London, yesterday (19 June). Judging was by an independent panel appointed by joint sponsors the British Constructional Steelwork Association and Corus.
The SSDA scheme was instituted 39 years ago to recognise the high standards of structural and architectural design attainable in the use of steel and its potential in terms of efficiency, cost effectiveness, aesthetics and innovation. This year’s judge’s citations show these objectives are being met.
The Awards aim to promote the innovative use of steel by rewarding outstanding projects to stand as an example to others. They were launched in 1969, are highly regarded and are the longest running awards of their type in the construction industry.
The Awards are run annually and are open to structural steelwork projects both in the UK and overseas, which used steel predominantly sourced from Corus and which employed a UK steelwork contractor in their construction. Projects must have been completed in the two years prior to the year of entry.
The 2007 Award Winners are:
Sheppey Crossing, Isle of Sheppey
Special Award-The Alnwick Garden Pavilion and Visitor Centre
Commendations and Certificate of Merit
| Architect | Grimshaw |
| Lead designer and structural engineer | Atkins |
| Steelwork contractor | Rowecord Engineering Ltd |
| Main contractor | Alfred McAlpine |
| Clients | Newport Unlimited and Welsh Assembly Government |
Judges comment
"The Newport City Footbridge draws inspiration from the city’s historic wharves as the crane-like structure supports a 145m span across the River Usk. The result headlines steel in a big way, and provides a magnificent, iconic landmark in the heart of a regeneration area."
| Architect | Gillespies Architects |
| Structural engineer | Halcrow |
| Steelwork contractor | Watson Steel Structures Ltd |
| Main Contractor | Edmund Nuttall |
| Client | Glasgow City Council |
Judges Comment
"This landmark structure is thoroughly professional, meets the aspirations of the client and is a major addition to the skyline of Glasgow. The bridge provides strategic access to the Pacific Quay area, and is already a strong catalyst for redevelopment of this once derelict part of the city."
| Architect | Yee Associates |
| Lead designer | Capita Symonds |
| Viaduct structural engineer | Cass Hayward LLP |
| Steelwork contractor | Fairfield-Mabey |
| Main contractor | Carillion |
| Clients | Highways Agency and Sheppey Route Limited |
Judges Comment
"The Sheppey Crossing has achieved a solution, which minimises intrusion into the flat landscape. Having solved the primary challenges, the team has then refined the design to its successful conclusion."
| Architect | Hopkins Architects |
| Structural engineer | Buro Happold Ltd |
| Steelwork contractor | S H Structures |
| Main contractor | Sir Robert McAlpine |
| Client | The Alnwick Garden |
Judges Comment
"This is a delicate and sympathetic treatment of the large continuous roofscape, covering a variety of space uses in this hugely popular destination. Steel is a crucial element in the diagrid shell roof areas, and the elegant columns."
Commendations
Palestra, London
Pont King Morgan, Carmarthen
Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford,
Bishop’s Bridge Road Bridge, London.
Certificate of Merit
The Young Vic Theatre, London.
