Surface World December 2019 Surface World December 2019 | Page 30

THE GALVANIZERS ASSOCIATION 2020 GAGAs open for entry The Galvanizers Association Galvanizing Awards 2020 are open for entry as of Monday 11th November. The lunchtime event will be held in June at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London, where judges will award the innovative use of hot dip galvanizing across five long standing categories: Galvanizing in Architecture, Galvanizing in Engineering, Galvanizing in Detail, Sustainable Galvanizing and the Duplex Award. In addition, the association is premiering a new award this year, which recognises the outstanding use of galvanizing in contemporary art. It is widely understood that the event captures concerns and changing practices in construction, with this year’s awards set once more to reflect developments in sustainable design and construction and the UK’s transition to low carbon structures. Marketing Manager Iqbal Johal believes the awards will underline the potential of galvanized steel within construction during transitional phases and over the longer term: “We see galvanized steel as a national asset within the UK and Ireland, which will play an increased role within circular economies. As an infinitely re-usable and versatile material it can form the backbone of adaptive and resilient architecture and infrastructure. Our awards show increasingly that engineers, architects, designers and indeed artists are finding new ways to harness the lifecycle potential of galvanized steel.” Last year our keynote speaker Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects (London Eye, i360 Brighton) gave an uncompromising presentation on the construction industry’s responsibility to tackle the problems of climate change and biodiversity loss. Jolyon Brewis of Grimshaw Architects (The Eden Project Biomes) also gave an insight into how sustainable projects can build resilient communities and support local economies. It was a thought-provoking programme, and the sustainability debate is one that we fully expect entrants to continue to engage with. The GAGAs are open to all within the construction supply chain within the UK and Ireland, from clients, architects, engineers, to contractors and fabricators. Artists at all stages of their career are also invited to enter. Entries must be submitted by March 27th 2020 and require just a short project description and photographs. Any new building, refurbishment or art project completed after 1st January 2017 is eligible. Further details can be found at http://www.galvanizing.org. uk/construction-awards. For more information please contact Iqbal Johal at: [email protected]