Key Development in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

6 Nov 2009 Barcelona bird cage wins World's Best Display Building at World Architecture Festival Awards 2009 Barcelona Zoo project deemed 'innovative and poetic' Cages for Macaws in the Palm Grove of Barcelona Zoo, designed by Battle & Roig Architects, Spain, has won the World's Best Display Building award at the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards (WAF Awards) 2009. Drawing its inspiration from traditional birdcage forms, this solution meets the Macaws' opposing needs for social interaction and dark seclusion through innovative use of tubular frames, wood and screening. The presentation of the WAF Awards took place during global architecture summit the World Architecture Festival, which is being held at the Centre Convencions International Barcelona (CCIB) between 4th and 6th November. The WAF Awards form the biggest architectural awards programme in the world and are designed to celebrate and showcase the work of the international architectural community. The WAF Awards are unique in that they involve shortlisted architects presenting their projects live to the public and a star studded international judging panel. Cages for Macaws in the Palm Grove of Barcelona Zoo, was chosen by some of the world's most distinguished architects and renowned industry experts, beating off competition from a shortlist of 7 entries. The judges thought that the solution to the problem of housing the Macaws on a temporary basis devised by this firm was deemed 'not only especially appropriate, but also innovative and poetic.' Interestingly this was one of two impressive aviary projects that were shortlisted in this category. Speaking at the WAF Awards Paul Finch, WAF Programme Director, said: "Yet again we received a huge response to these fiercely contested Awards, with 272 projects shortlisted from 67 different countries. The geographical range and quality of this year's designs were exceptionally high and offers a real insight into the current condition and diversity of global architecture. Our congratulations go to Battle & Roig Architects who thoroughly deserve to receive this accolade." This is the 2nd year the World Architecture Festival Awards have been presented. Last year's overall winner of World Building of the Year 2008 was Luigi Bocconi University, Milan, designed by Irish practice Grafton Architects.