Burnley’s Panopticon design, ‘Singing Ringing Tree’, by architects Tonkin Liu Ltd, has won an award in an international design competition sponsored by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The competition, 'Urban Space by Design', recognises design excellence in public open spaces for both built and unbuilt schemes, and ‘Singing Ringing Tree’ won a commendation in the unbuilt category at the awards ceremony in London last week. Now the design is on show at the 'Urban Space by Design' exhibition, which runs at City Hall, London until 30 June and will then tour the country.
Tonkin Liu also won first prize in the unbuilt category with the ‘Old Street Promenade of Light’ project in London. Speaking after the awards, architect Anna Liu said, “We are delighted by the success of these projects, especially as we were in a shortlist of 40, which in turn were selected from more than 80 entries.
“ ‘Singing Ringing Tree’ in particular seems to be striking a chord with many – from children to architectural critics. Many of the judges came to speak to us after the ceremony, and were especially enthusiastic about ‘Singing Ringing Tree’.”
Burnley Borough Councillor Charles Bullas, Chair of Burnley’s Panopticon Steering Group, welcomed the news. “The Steering Group has been very impressed with the design and ideas that Tonkin Liu have produced for Burnley's Panopticon. This award helps reiterate the quality of design that we have commissioned as well as raising the national profile of the area.”
And Marcus Johnstone, County Councillor for Padiham and Burnley West, which includes the Panopticon site, added, "I knew we were on to a winner with this design and I am delighted that Tonkin Liu has received this award from RIBA. ‘Singing Ringing Tree’ really is something very special and when it is built, Burnley will have a piece of public art which has received the recognition it rightly deserves. We have worked closely with local people who I know will be proud that what they already see as their Panopticon is now officially an award-winning design."
