Populo projects shortlisted for RIBA London and Pineapples awards
Posted 19 February 2026
We're super excited to be shortlisted in for two prestigious awards in 2026 - and it's only February!
Following our Pineapple Award win for the Carpenters Estate masterplan later year, this year we've been shortlisted for the Pineapple Award for Activation for our Meanwhile Use Framework on the Carpenters. In addition, our affordable later living scheme Noele Gordon House has been shortlisted in the RIBA London Awards - East category - the awards that celebrate the best of the capital's architects and architecture.
The Pineapples Awards share best practice in placemaking, with the award for Activation being for temporary or permanent projects that breathe live into our places. Whether events or installations, these projects help bed in new places, bringing in new people to the area and encouraging community engagement, with a focus on positive social/environmental impact and places that welcome everyone.
On largescale projects, such as the Carpenters Estate, meanwhile projects help secure this activity, and ensure the existing community benefit from change from the very start. Populo worked with specialists Meanwhile Space and Make:Good to deliver its meanwhile strategy for the estate, focusing on projects that the community wanted to see emerge on the Carpenters, while ensuring that they had a lasting legacy.
Read more about the Carpenters Meanwhile Strategy
The RIBA London Awards mark outstanding buildings and their designers, taking in a range of projects across London. Competition is tight with entries including everything from individual houses to museums, so it is great to see Noele Gordon House in the shortlist.
Congratulations to MAE architects for their thoughtful later living scheme in Newham, delivered by Populo for the council to provide 75 affordable homes alongside a new health centre, constructed by Hill Group.
Designed to embrace the best of HAPPI principles, the scheme features inclusive design and thoughtful placemaking, demonstrating what is possible when great architects, committed partners and purpose-driven development come together.