Letchworth residents are being encouraged to vote for the best interpretation of a modern garden city in the final of an international design competition.
Organised by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, the competition ran last year in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In total, 95 architectural practices from around the world entered their concepts of a modern garden city design, using the possible housing development site to the north of the Grange Estate as a case study.
Entries were shortlisted by a panel which included representatives from the Foundation, RIBA and the government department responsible for new garden cities. From this, four architectural practices have been selected to progress to the final, with their concepts being exhibited to allow the public to take a closer look.
David Ames, Executive Director of Stewardship and Development for the Foundation, said: “Letchworth is known throughout the world as the first garden city, so there has been a high level of interest. We have received entries from Australia, France, Germany, India, the US and Iran to name a few.
“Architects were invited to put forward their ideas about modern garden city living, recapturing the pioneering spirit which led to the development of Letchworth. We have been impressed by the creativity and innovation shown, while considering the original garden city principles.”
The four concepts will be displayed at the Foundation’s new offices at One Garden City on Broadway Gardens from 10 - 26 April (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), and on Saturday 13 April (10am to 3pm).
David added: “As well as voting for their favourite entry, we hope that those who come to the exhibition will share their thoughts on all the concepts, which will help us formulate our ideas for the development to the north of Letchworth.”
The judging panel will meet in May to review the entries and the feedback from the public vote, before announcing the winner.
Those who are unable to make the exhibition can vote online at letchworth.com/design-competition from 9 April.
