Designs of the Year 2012: Architecture

John McAslan + Partners’ nomination this year shows that the restoration of an architectural and cultural landmark can be as important as the construction of a new one. They were responsible for maintaining the integrity and spirit of the Iron Market in Port-as-Prince which fell victim to the devastating 2010 earthquake, whilst simultaneously re-installing the commercial and social morale of its former glory. It’s as great a feat of design as a brand new building and the incorporation of modern thinking into this process means that the structure is re-figured to take on relevant concerns of resistance and seismic requirements.

Also nominated in this category are other big name London practices like Zaha Hadid Architects for their Guagzhou Opera House and the London 2012 Velodrome by Hopkins Architects. And we were delighted to see a couple of our architecture picks of the year up on the bill, including Assemble’s wonderful Folly for a Flyover and Ro&Ad’s Moses Bridge.

Our weekly fetaure this week focusses on Designs of the Year nominees – read more here.