I believe architecture starts when life takes over and we should enjoy the patina of life and appreciate that adaptation is not just inevitable, is something we should celebrate, says Architecture Today Awards judge Simon Allford.

Buildings.

Photo
Devin Blair

RIBA president and AHMM co-founder Simon Allford is one of 18 judges appointed for the Architecture Today Awards. He shares his thoughts on the awards, which aim to celebrate buildings that have stood the test of time. 

What attracted you to be a judge at Architecture Today Awards?
I respect Isabel (I like her even), I enjoy what she is doing at the magazine, and I think the ‘test of time’ 3 years on is hugely relevant.

What qualities will you be looking out for – what will make a project stand out to you?
I’m very interested to see not just how well the projects have responded to their initial brief but how they have been adapted to new requirements – the real test of time!

What do you hope will be taken away from the live presentation and judging process?
I believe architecture starts when life takes over and we should enjoy the patina of life and appreciate that adaptation is not just inevitable, is something we should celebrate.

What building would you most like to see among the entries?
One of my own! But it’s not allowed.

Find out more about the Architecture Today Awards and how to enter by visiting the Architecture Today Awards portal.