Gustafson Porter's transformation of Old Market Square in Nottingham has won its sixth award in the past year, with yesterday's announcement of a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award. The awards recognise design excellence and built projects which make a significant contribution to the local environment.

The 11,500m2 public square is one of the oldest in the UK and the second largest after Trafalgar Square in London. It was officially opened by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal on 03 April 2007.

The 2008 RIBA award in the East Midlands category is the latest in a string of awards for Gustafson Porter's Old Market Square scheme which scooped three Civic Trust Awards in March this year, in addition to taking the top honour at Nottingham's Lord Mayor's Awards for Urban Design in last November and a Design Excellence Award at the 2007 East Midlands Property Awards in September. The project is now up for selection for the national RIBA Awards which culminates in the acclaimed Stirling Prize - the main event in the UK's architectural awards calendar.

Gustafson Porter Director, Neil Porter, said, "The team here is extremely proud to be honoured in this way by the RIBA. Our aim with the design was to provide a relaxing and flexible space for everyday activities as well as an exciting destination for events and local markets. Crucially, we chose to reconcile the layout of the design with the classic formality of the Council House, which the original square didn't do. The Old Market Square's wonderfully organic form now makes a people friendly space for users of all ages. Since it opened last year, the public's positive response has been amazing and we are absolutely delighted."

Councillor Alan Clark, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Regeneration at Nottingham City Council, commented, "It is wonderful that Old Market Square has won its sixth award since it opened last year. Gustafson Porter's transformation of the square has brought the centre of the city back to life and provided a fantastic space for the people of Nottingham to enjoy."

The RIBA East Midlands judges praised the, 'fluid inviting public space. It allows the surrounding buildings
both to complement each other and stand out for their architectural character.'

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Notes for Editors:

Gustafson Porter is a London-based international landscape design practice that operates across the diverse disciplines of landscape, architecture, engineering and design. The practice's work expresses the tension and balance between opposing forces in the built and the natural world which is striking and contemporary. Gustafson Porter is inspired by the complexity of the human condition and the desire for stability as well as change in the modern world. The approach is simultaneously rational and emotional, disciplined but loose, structured yet ever changing.

Gustafson Porter Ltd was founded by Kathryn Gustafson and Neil Porter in 1997, with Mary Bowman joining the partnership in 2002. The firm has projects in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Completed projects range from the 1km long Westergasfabriek Culture Park, Amsterdam, to the interior landscape of the Great Glass House in the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Gustafson Porter is currently working on landscapes for the cities of Jeddah, Singapore, Beirut and Liverpool, all with varying needs and contexts that require innovative and unique solutions.

General information:

- Gustafson Porter's design was chosen following an international design competition 'Square One' which received 200 entries from across the world.
- The new plans for Old Market Square were drawn up in 2004.
- The project started on-site in August 2005, following extensive consultations with the public, stakeholders, political and local interest groups, health and safety experts and the police.
- Over 6,000 tonnes of earth has been moved to level the square.
- Over 4,000 tonnes of concrete base slabs have been placed to provide a solid foundation.
- Over 6,000m of electric cabling has been laid to provide power for events.
- Over 10,000m2 of new granite stone paving has been laid - an area bigger than a professional football pitch.
- The project includes a 4,400m2 water feature.
- The old toilets now hold a water tank the size of a small swimming pool and a state-of-the-art control room for the technology behind the Square's electricity and water supplies.
- 13 beautiful new Gingko Biloba and Pin Oak trees have been planted around the Square.
- Five lanterns, two flag poles from the former design have been lovingly refurbished and returned.
- Following the opening celebrations 800 new shrubs will be planted, as well as 4000 bulbs.