What Constitutes an Award-Winning Project?

Oct. 1, 2007
Why certain buildings are selected by the judging committee in Buildings' project awards programs

By Linda K. Monroe 

Last year, when the editorial staff undertook a new venture - the Project Innovations program (by which readers would review even more of North America's most prestigious projects) - we received support and also curiosity about this extension of our long-standing project awards programs. This October 2007 issue spotlights 19 Project Innovations recipients and 13 additional projects that went beyond "Project Innovations" status to receive either a Citation of Excellence or Grand Prize in four project award competitions: Buildings Interiors® Design, Greener Facilities (a new recognition this year), Modernization, and New Construction. Aesthetics, function, performance, sustainability, and more were ranked on a scorecard; once the preliminary judging committee selected the year's Project Innovations, the submittals were then forwarded to a final judging committee of industry professionals who applied even more stringent standards to select projects for the next step in the program.

The question remains, however: What constitutes an award-winning project? Following are just a few comments from this year's judging committee (which consisted of two construction/facilities management professionals, an architect, two interior designers, and the editorial staff). Their specific comments on Grand Prize and Citation of Excellence projects are also highlighted.

  • Buildings Interiors® Design Awards: "The degree of sophistication [for this project] is considerable; subtle details are translated from floor to floor without losing the [building's] initial integrity. ... The skillful layout, different on each level but following a common thread, sets a level of expectation and continuity."
  • Greener Facilities Award: "The types of mechanical systems found within this building provide direction for the future. This will become ever more necessary as our buildings become more sophisticated. The trick is to ensure that, through multiple remodeling, the designer's intent is not destroyed."
  • Modernization Awards: "The constraints imposed by the old structure should be embraced and used as a starting point. We should carefully consider [building] challenges and rise to the occasion rather than shrinking and taking the easy option [of] demolition. The building continues to provide a stable reminder to the community that its values remain unaltered."
  • New Construction Awards: "A very sophisticated example [of a residential tower], the use of glass illustrates that this medium can be used very expressively. The form of the building beautifully fulfills its function."

Is there anything here that inspires you to have your project evaluated by a committee of your industry peers? If so, let us know today about your interest in participating in the 2008 Project Innovations program. 

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...