Winners announced at 56th Structural Steel Design Awards

Six projects were Award winners at this year’s Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA).

The six winning projects at the 56th annual SSDA were 8 Bishopsgate, London; Aviva Studios, Manchester; Beaulieu Parkway Bridge, Chelmsford; Co-op Live Arena, Manchester; n2 Nova Evolved, London; and Sky Innovation Centre, London (illustrated left to right).

From an initial shortlist of 21 projects, all of this year’s entries once again scored highly in terms of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, efficiency and innovation, with seven schemes getting Commendations and one collecting a Merit.

Jointly sponsored by the British Constructional Steelwork Association and Steel for Life, the SSDA’s were announced at an evening reception at Christ Church Spitalfields Venue in east London.

Chairman of the judging panel Roger Plank, said: “The Awards scheme provides an opportunity for the sector to showcase excellence in the use of structural steel across a wide range of projects varying in nature, scale, regional location and budget.

“We look for high quality in all aspects of a project, and are particularly keen to understand the challenges faced, how these were addressed, and the contribution of steel to the outcome. Aspects such as innovation, smart working, problem-solving and community benefit are therefore as relevant as appearance and scale.

“And at a time when climate change is high on everyone’s agenda, we are keen to learn about ways in which a project contributes to a more sustainable future.”

British Constructional Steelwork Association President Gary Simmons thanked Mr Plank and his fellow judges for their commitment, professionalism and voluntary time given over the judging period.

“Our special thanks go to the Steel for Life headline sponsors, ArcelorMittal and Barrett Steel,” he concluded.