The IHDC 2011 finished with an Awards Ceremony in the Museum of London's prestigious Sackler Hall, with 120 guests and compered by Blanche Cameron, Director of RESET Development and co-instigator of the IHDC.

Gavin McCourt, Project Manager at the Museum of London, welcomed everyone to the event, saying how well the aims of this competition relate to the Museum's own project to install over 4,000 sq. m. of biodiverse green roofs and other green infrastructure.

The keynote speech was made by Dr Bob Bloomfield, Head of Special Projects at the Natural History Museum, and coordinator of the UK Friends of the UN Decade on Biodiversity 2011 - 2020. He spoke eloquently on the state of the planet's ecosystems, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, and on the need and opportunities for action to support biodiversity for ecosystem services in towns and cities everywhere.

Martin Kelly, Chair of the Victoria Business Improvement District's Clean and Green Steering Committee, the IHDC 2011 Principal Sponsor, spoke on the Victoria BID's green infrastructure report, and their work retrofitting this prominent area of London with critical green infrastructure to deal with issues of flash flooding, urban heat island effect, poor air quallity and lack of biodiversity.

Gary Grant, Chair of the IHDC Judging Board and Dusty Gedge IHDC co-instigator
and President of the European Federation of Green Roof Associations, restated the aims of this unique design competition to prioritise nature int he built environment, and how it is developing into an international process.

Martin Kelly then awarded 1st Prize of £2,000 to Michael Bryan for his ShrubhillWorks co-housing design, in Leith, near Edinburgh.

Two Highly Commended entries were awarded £875 each by Dr Bob Bloomfield and Dusty Gedge respectively:

Clare Darlaston with Jackie Gilliland, Graeme Muir and Concern for Swifts (Scotland) for their work integrating new swift nesting boxes into new housing in Holytown, near Glasgow.

Lee Miles and Jennifer Acayan, for Hafod Copperworks masterplan and regeneration scheme in Swansea.

A reception of wine and canapes followed. For more information on the winning entries, finalists and shortlisted entries:

click here