The Award, 1836 From The Transactions of the Institute of British Architects.

In June, 1835, the Council of the then Institute of British Architects resolved to propose a ‘series of questions on desiderata in every Branch of Science connected with Architecture’, offering an honorary premium for the best essay on a subject of its choosing. Today, the RIBA’s President’s Awards for Research continue this resolve, endeavouring to encourage and promote scientific inquiry. The first medal of ‘The Institute’ was awarded to George Godwin on 18 January, 1836, for his essay ‘On the nature and character of Concrete and its application hitherto to construction in England’. Born in 1833 and the son of an architect, Godwin developed his skills from an early age while working in his father’s office; father and son both contributed significantly to the construction of London’s Kensington. Godwin’s interests ranged from architectural history, building materials and techniques, the plight of the poor and the dissemination of architectural knowledge: he was editor of The Builder, 1844–1883, transforming the publication into one of the most significant professional papers of its kind (Smith et al, 2004). The publication still exists and is now known as Building. Godwin’s essay, in which his interests are clearly reflected, is an insightful journey through the historical significance of ‘concretion’ and a detailed discussion on the intricacies of its production and installation. Citing the longevity of many historical monuments, from the Egyptians onwards, as ‘indisputable evidence’ for the significance and durability of concrete, Godwin focusses on the use of concrete in the foundations of buildings and is at pains to reiterate the fundamental importance of solid foundations and to emphasise the impact concrete has had across the world. He documents a wide variety of concrete uses and mixtures, some in great detail, discussing the merits and shortcomings of various materials, mixing ratios and methods and 151