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Word from Captain Debbie Horwood, a Western officer serving with her husband, Ted, at International Headquarters, advises that the new IHQ building, opened in November 2004, has received an architectural award. Further details are from a report on the IHQ web site by Kevin Sims.
The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman David Brewer CMG, unveiled a plaque at IHQ recognizing the building as recipient of the 2005 New City Architecture Award by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects.
The award is given to the building that, in the view of the judges, makes the greatest contribution to the streetscape of London. The judges were extremely impressed with the building. They noted the excellent way in which the large site of the previous headquarters is shared between two buildings, with the commercial property next to IHQ providing a means for future funding.
The award citation commended the IHQ building for making “an excellent contribution to the ‘string of pearls’ route from St. Paul’s Cathedral, across the Foster and Partners Millennium Bridge, and on to Tate Modern.” The citation adds that it “was the judges’ unanimous choice as winner of the 2005 award.”
In his words of welcome, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects, Richard Saxon, CBE, commended the quality of the building and spoke of the way it “draws Londoners in remarkably.”
The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster, spoke about the Army’s history on the site dating from 1881. She said the investment in the site 125 years ago has enabled The Salvation Army to continue to operate its worldwide enterprise from one of the great hubs of the world in a way that makes sound financial sense and added: “The City of London needs us! It needs the Christian gospel we proclaim.”
After the ceremony, the Lord Mayor and many of the visitors toured the building, paying particular attention to the International Chapel. With its striking amber glass, it is seen by the architects to be—physically and symbolically—at the very heart of IHQ.