Civil architecture is the practice of designing properties with their inhabitants in mind. This approach can provide a wide array of benefits including ensuring the property satisfies their needs. On top of this it supports sustainability, making it more likely that the building will be able to continue meeting requirements in the future.

The best architects can utilise civil ideas whilst also producing designs that are aesthetically pleasing. A great example of this kind of designing was celebrated in November. The UTEC building in Lima, Peru was awarded the RIBA global architecture prize. It beat six other shortlisted buildings to earn the accolade.

The UTEC building was chosen as the winner by a RIBA panel. They praised it as inspirational and referred to it as “a modern day Machu Picchu”. The fact that it was a unique take on a vertical campus and enriches the experience of inhabitants as well as people on the outside looking in makes it very special.

The thing that makes the property stand out so much is that it blends with its surroundings, reflecting the curve of the landscape and the city. It also manages to capture the heritage of the location. This was a challenge but the design overcomes it.

The design is inspirational and set it apart from the competition. The RIBA panel believed it would help to inspire other architects, both in Peru and oversees too. The fact that it is civil focused makes it additionally deserving of the award.

At Coffey Architects we have a great appreciation for civil architecture and try to utilise the principles in every project we are involved in. This focus has helped us to become an award winning architect in London with a great reputation. We can appreciate the UTEC building and the great work that must have gone into creating the design.