Accordia in Cambridge back in the spotlight

Accordia in Cambridge is back in the spotlight once again, almost 20 years after its completion.

Designed by Maccreanor Lavington, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Alison Brooks Architects and Grant Associates, Accordia was conceived as a neighbourhood rather than simply a collection of homes. The design responded carefully to its existing landscape, working around mature trees and creating a network of shared green spaces, gardens and streets that encourage a sense of community.

Its success was recognised early on. Accordia became the first housing project to win the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2008, marking an important moment for housing design in the UK.

But perhaps the more interesting test is what has happened since.

Today, Accordia continues to be lived in, adapted and enjoyed by its residents. Its spaces have matured, its landscape has developed and a new generation has grown up within the neighbourhood.

Good housing should have the resilience to accommodate changing lives, changing families and changing expectations. It should create places that people feel a genuine sense of belonging  and  want to remain part of.

The real test of time.

It is also fitting that Accordia has now been shortlisted for the Architecture Today ‘Test of Time Awards’, which celebrate projects whose architectural qualities and ideas have endured.

And there is another opportunity to look back at Accordia’s legacy. To mark 30 years of the RIBA Stirling Prize, the public is being invited to vote for their favourite winning project  with Accordia is in the running.

And if you have a favourite Stirling Prize winner, you can cast your vote for Accordia as part of the RIBA’s 30th anniversary celebration. Voting closes 30 September.

Vote here: Awards Map