The Great Architectural Bake-Off

We issued a challenge and it was answered. Were joined by Zaha Hadid Architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, Squire + Partners, ARUP, HOK, BDP and Foster + Partners for inaugural “Great Architectural Bake-off.” The creativity and energy the respective design teams brought to constructing distinctive, edible recreations of iconic London buildings made for an exciting event. The atmosphere was buzzing with eager team members, intrigued spectators and excited children.

The atmosphere was buzzing with eager team members, intrigued spectators and excited children.

(First Place Winners: Squire + Partners)

Teams were provided with a selection of materials, including sponges, chocolate fingers and icing but were able to bring additional edible items. The teams used jelly, sticks of rock, oreo biscuits, pre–prepared / sculpted sugar glass, edible silver spray, licorice and honeycomb! The most exciting additions were the tools used to create the masterpieces, we witnessed blow torches and Dremel drills!

The competition was judged by an esteemed panel of judges: Maxie Giertz, a cake development expert from Konditor & Cook, Gavin Hutchison, chair of Cities of London and Westminster Society of Architects (CLAWSA), and Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, an Associate from Jestico + Whiles. The judges took their roles seriously and based their decision on creativity, technical / execution, most realistic representation, teamwork, and taste.

Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners came in third place with their oreo and sugar glass interpretation of Lloyds of London. Zaha Hadid Architects took second place with their portrayal of the Tower Bridge (which included a jelly river and cake flotilla). And in first place, Squire + Partners wowed the judges with their jelly Serpentine Pavilion lit from below with a light box. Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins said “the winner has combined lots of different elements, we liked the execution, the idea behind it, the preparation and most of all the team recognized that there was an element of showmanship in creating a cake for this type of event.”

The most exciting additions were the tools used to create the masterpieces, we witnessed blow torches and Dremel drills!

Thanks to all who participated and making the first Great Architectural Bake-off a huge success!