DAVENTRY’S iCon building is putting the town on the world map.
Last week the centre, off Eastern Way, was announced as one of six shortlisted for a global architecture award.
The iCon is one of six up for the World Architectural News (WAN) award for commercial buildings. It is also among four nominated in the sustainable building category.
The iCon building is now run by the University of Northampton and specialises in sustainable technologies. It was built by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, with support from local council’s
It is the only nomination from the UK outside London, and is joined on the list by other buildings from Europe, the USA and Asia, including high rise buildings in Hong Kong, an oil firm’s headquarters in Oslo, Norway, and NASA’s new sustainability centre in California.
Kristie McFarlin, marketing and events co-ordinator at iCon, said: “We are really proud that the iCon building has made the shortlist. For World Architecture News to recognise iCon as an impressive, design focussed yet sustainable building against such high levels of worldwide competition is really impressive, and we thank the jurors for their votes.”
DDC leader Chris Millar said: “It’s great that it’s putting Daventry on the world map. It’s impressive the iCon has made it to this stage, but it has also won several other awards.”
Announcing the shortlist a spokesman for WAN said: “The iCon Innovation Centre, Daventry, United Kingdom by Consarc Architects was also a hit amongst the jurors for its ‘impressive use of timber frame construction’ and effective use of reusable materials.”
The winner will be announced later in the year.