Two Populous projects win at the International Property Awards 2010

Populous, formerly HOK Sport, have announced two winning projects at this year's International Property Awards - Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland & Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The results of the Europe & Africa Property Awards 2010 in association with Bloomberg Television have just been released and up there amongst the winners is Populous. The company won an award in the category of The Architecture Award - Leisure & Hospitality with both Aviva Stadium and Soccer City Stadium.

Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, designed as a result of collaboration between global architects Populous and Dublin‐based architects, Scott Tallon Walker officially opened in May, 14. Previously called the Lansdowne Road Stadium, it hosted its first game of international rugby in 1878. The 50,000 seat stadium will be used for international rugby and soccer fixtures and as a concert and events venue.

Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been designed by Populous and Boogertman Urban Edge & Partners and was inspired by the African melting pot or ‘Calabash’. The stadium, with 92,000 seats capacity, has already become a cultural signifier of the new South Africa and the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Later this year, the highest scoring winners from the Europe & Africa Property Awards will compete against other winning companies from Asia Pacific, the UK, Americas and the Middle East to find the ultimate ‘World’s Best’ in each category. These results will be announced at a grand gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park, London on Saturday, November 27th.

Much of the judging was carried out by the International Property Awards’ esteemed panel of judges at the London offices of Bloomberg Television but entries were also outsourced to leading experts in each particular field throughout the world.

Ben Vickery, Senior Principal of Populous said of winning the award, “We are delighted the Aviva Stadium has received the IPA.  The IRFU and FAI decided to build their new stadium of on the historic home of international rugby and soccer in Dublin 4.  The building developed as a response to the complicated site and a unique and elegant sporting venue has resulted.  Strong relationships amongst the team meant the building was delivered on time and on budget, so that overall the Aviva Stadium will be a credit to Ireland.”

Damon Lavelle, Principal of Populous said, “Together with Boogertman Urban Edge & Partners, Populous are delighted to be in receipt of this prestigious award, which recognises the collective achievement of our design team in delivering a world class national stadium for the people of South Africa.”