Property and construction consultants Davis Langdon have called on Australian architects to “fly the flag” at the upcoming World Architects Festival in Barcelona.

Davis Langdon managing director Mark Beattie said Australian should use the festival in October this year to showcase the skills and talents of its architects who have world-class achievements to show the international community.

Davis Langdon and Seah International is a sponsor of the festival, and Mr Beattie said it provided an opportunity for Australian architects to demonstrate how good design had taken a new priority in modern building construction.

“Through our work in cost and project management, building services and urban planning, Davis Langdon has a very good perspective of how Australian architecture can stand up against the best in the world, and the Barcelona festival is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that,” he said.

“At a time when Australian architects have to compete with international firms even for projects at home, it is important to emphasise the enormous strength of our home grown talents.

“Good design is becoming more and more important in today’s building projects, with developers coming to appreciate how it can affect not only the aesthetics, but also the corporate and public acceptability of a building and even its financial viability.

“Incorporating much sought-after elements of environmental, social, cultural and performance standards through good design can make the difference between the success or failure of a building, and its prospects of attracting investors, purchasers or tenants.

“Our experience is that Australian architects are as good at this as anyone else in the world, and the Barcelona festival is an opportunity to shout this from the rooftops on the world stage.”

The World Architecture Festival Awards are now open for entry.  The largest architectural awards programme in the world is open to buildings completed between 1 January 2007 and 20 June 2008. The deadline for entries is 20 June.

With 16 categories for 96 building types, the awards cover completed buildings, big or small, from anywhere in the world.

Shortlisted entrants will present their buildings in front of the Festival audience and an international jury in Barcelona.

The 16 category winners will go on to compete against each other to win the first architectural Prix de Barcelona.

More information and entry details can be obtained from the World Architecture Festival’s website www.worldarchitecturefestival.com.

For further information, contact Meaghan Jones at Davis Langdon's Communications Department on +61 3 9933 8800 or email mjones2@davislangdon.com.au