National prize for Architecture

ARCHITECTURE graduate Harbinder Singh Birdi has been named as one of the most promising emerging architects in the UK.

The Manchester School of Architecture graduate was announced as the winner of the prestigious AJ Corus 40 Under 40 Awards, a prize recognising those architects under 40 years of age who are really making a difference to the UK environment.

Harbinder, 33, who works for the London practice Hawkins Brown won the award with partner Seth Rutt for their work on three innovative and dynamic projects including The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, and the Nottingham Art Exchange.

Judges included Will Alsop, Chris Wilkinson, of Wilkinson Eyre, developer Crispin Kelly, Isabel Allen of the Architects’ Journal and Kevin McCloud of Grand Designs TV.

Receiving his award at the V&A Museum, London, Harbinder said: “I hope that by being selected for this award, young Asians will be given a role model for them to pursue a career in architecture and design, a profession that attracts a very small intake from the ethnic minorities.”

AJ Editor Isabel Allen said: “Harbinder has incorporated the views of the people who will be using the buildings – this is community architecture without the earnestness.”

Mr Birdi, who completed a degree in architecture at MMU in 1998, will have his work displayed throughout the summer at the V&A before a tour taking in The Royal Museum of Scotland, and venues in Birmingham and Manchester.