We’re thrilled to announce the winner of the WAN Residential Award 2015 is BABIN+RENAUD architects for their striking ALUMINIUM TIP project – Congratulations!

1. Winner Press Release

BABIN+RENAUD architects are championed the winner for ALUMINIUM TIP

The winner was selected from six shortlisted projects that were chosen by our jury panel of industry leaders. On board to judge this award was: Richard Doone, Director of Doone Silver Architects, James  Everitt, Director of EPR Architects, Graeme Rapley, Director of Design and Technical at Arney Fender Katsalidis, and Niall Cairns, Director at Assael Architecture. Much deliberation was had between two projects: ALUMINIUM TIP in France by BABIN+RENAUD architects and Apartman 18 in Turkey by Aytac Architects, which James felt had been: “executed particularly well.” James went on to say: “we’re analysing over two completely different schools of architecture”, that all the judges felt had particularly strong schemes. In the end they all concluded that there was one over-riding winner.

Standing at the tip of a triangle-shaped plot of land in Paris’ 11th arrondissement, ALUMINIUM TIP consists of a moving façade for the residents and a landmark building for the neighbourhood.

The new building creates visual transparency in the space between street and inner courtyard by means of a balanced design that liberates it from the site’s cramped nature. The corner was given expression by the step-like receding roof that slims down to a simple, strict line. The pattern of the street-side façade expresses this rigor with the regular spacing of the tall, narrow picture windows, with variations obtained by alternating the opening and closing of the folding shutters and the subtle reflection of natural light on the anodized aluminium. “A lot of effort has gone into resolving the detail” said Richard.

The outdoor entrance and landings rise vertically, alternating open views from each landing onto the city or the inner courtyard. The goal has been to give occupants a gradual pathway from the public space of the street to the private space of the flats by means of a compact design that re-interprets the ‘city’s substance’ that was previously missing.

Graeme commented “The architects really had a challenge with the environment”, with Richard going on to express his fondness of the abstract quality of the design, commenting “I like the simplicity, I like the rigor, and I like the purity of the concept that’s carried all the way through.”

We’d like to take the opportunity to thank not only the jury, but all who entered their projects into this years’ WAN Residential Award.

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Lydia O’Callaghan

Awards Coordinator

2. WAN Residential Award 2015: Shortlisted Press Release

WAN Residential Award 2015 – Six inspirational projects shortlisted

The WAN Residential Award 2015 celebrates multi-occupancy builds that are setting new standards in design excellence, from apartment blocks to university campuses. Highlighting elegant yet enduring ideas for high-density housing.

The 28 longlisted projects were analysed recently by a panel of expert judges. Considering a number of factors: originality; innovation; form; sustainability; context – the jury looked closely for: how the architects overcame key challenges in the client brief, and, how the design has pushed the boundaries for this building type.

We gathered a panel of industry leaders, who singled out the designs that rethink the way in which we inhabit spaces and live our lives. This year’s jury panel were: Richard Doone, Director of Doone Silver Architects, James  Everitt, Director of EPR Architects, Graeme Rapley, Director of Design and Technical at Arney Fender Katsalidis, and Niall Cairns, Director at Assael Architecture.

After much discussion, the judges arrived at a conclusion on the six shortlisted projects, which are listed below in no particular order. The panel all agreed that the following were well resolved projects that deserved to be shortlisted for this award.

Townhouses with private courtyards in Thailand by baan puripuri co. ltd.

The initial concept was designed to bring back nature and a refreshing green space to the residential scheme, which resulted in an air well and a pocket garden in the middle of each unit as a key part of the house. Richard was first to say “the internal green space really adds something to the design.” Internal balconies and key functions are placed and stacked next to the courtyard with a semi outdoor bridge linking these functions together, a similar concept to a traditional Thai house but stacked up vertically. All the judges felt they could live there, with James commenting: “It’s exceptionally elegant, the sheer volume of the spaces is quite beautiful.” Niall went on to say “There’s a great quality to the internal space.” The front façade consists of random brick walls which were designed as vertical fins which shade the double height living area from late morning glare and heat. The architect created cantilevered planter boxes protruding from the facade on the second floor adding a touch of nature for both neighbourhood and residences. “It’s very well proportioned” commented Graeme.

ALUMINIUM TIP in France by BABIN+RENAUD architects.

All the judges were taken with the simplicity of this project. The goal had been to give occupants a gradual pathway from the public space of the street to the private space of the flats by means of a compact design that re-interprets the ‘city’s substance’ that was previously missing.  The architects created visual transparency in the space between street and inner courtyard by means of a rational design that liberates it from the site’s cramped nature. “For something to be so simple looking is difficult to achieve” said Graeme. There are three flats per floor. All the principal rooms are located on the street side with their backs to a service strip located along the courtyard side. Turning the site’s narrowness to an advantage, the kitchens and bathrooms are placed on the courtyard-side wall thus enjoying natural light. In order to provide double exposure at the core of the collective living space, living rooms are located either in the corner space or in line with the kitchen. “The detail is there, it fits well within its context” commented Richard.

Alpine Place in the United Kingdom, by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt. 

The development is made up of 144 residential units, arranged in four blocks. All units feature large balconies and rooftop terraces – designed to Lifetime Homes standards and also adhering to the London Housing Design Guide. It was integral to the design to create a variety of safe spaces to encourage residents to come together. “They’ve created a very nice environment for people to live in, it’s been very well done and is of its time” commented Niall. The architectural and material quality has created buildings that are contextual and contemporary, reflecting the industrial urban history of the area. Buff brick is the primary component for three of the blocks while the fourth is clad in wooden veneered panels.  James commented: “It’s got a nice scale, the scheme has a quiet confidence.” The housing exceeds Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 with 30% carbon dioxide reduction in Dwelling Emission Rate over 2010 building regulations.

170 Amsterdam in the United States by Handel Architects.

Creating a new terminus for W68th Street, 170 Amsterdam sits between Central Park to the east and the landscaped open space of the Lincoln Towers superblock to the west. The building’s architecture and the exoskeleton that defines the exterior is derived from its location between these large green spaces and its immediate surroundings. Richard began by saying: “It’s impressive with what’s been achieved within its context.” The impressive intersections of the structure rise to the top of the building at different heights, giving the appearance of a façade in motion while also allowing for the prefabricated fiberglass formwork to be reused with the concrete cycle. At ground level, the columns create a dynamic street wall, with the exposed structure angling into the sidewalk and piercing the solid form of the building canopy. Inside, the exposed concrete columns angle through the public spaces of the building piercing the floors and walls of the lobby, common rooms and corridors, and disappearing into the ceiling above. In the apartments, seeing the structure through the floor-to-ceiling glass has the effect of being suspended in a treehouse, held up by the branches of the building’s exoskeleton.  “I like the way the building follows through in terms of its materiality, wherever you are in your apartment, you can see the structure, it becomes part of your landscape “commented Niall. Graeme agreed, saying: “It’s quite an achievement and sits nicely within the street.”

SILT in Australia by bureau^proberts.

A 7 level apartment building in a unique city peninsula of the Brisbane River. The form of the building responds to its iconic surroundings through a strong connection to the landmark Storey Bridge which runs adjacent to the site and sets the height datum for the building.  Apartments are designed with 3 bedrooms and study with open living spaces that respond to the river bend and Captain Burke Park. “I like the relationship of the original concept; the idea of the water and mud – it’s related to a big idea, and it’s been carried through carefully” commented Richard. Internal living spaces are compact and simply planned to allow access to services and sleeping spaces without interrupting living. Internal finishes reflect the external fabric and context of the site to amplify the sense of connection to its unique riverine location. “I love the framed view, I think it’s beautiful” said James. Niall went on to say: “For such an urban scheme it feels quite homely, I like the tactility of the materials.”

Apartman 18 in Turkey by Aytac Architects.

Located in the residential neighbourhood of Erenköy, Apartman 18 is a 10 story residential building containing 9 non-identical apartment units, rooftop garden with swimming pool, street level garden, underground parking and shared spaces. 10 varying floor plates are spirally wrapped into one continuous surface with a three dimensional facade consisting of individually shaped aluminum panels. This facade treatment offers privacy with maximum light and views within each unit. James was very taken with this project, stating: “There’s a continuity to its design and ethos” with Graeme going on to say: “It’s like a tree, you can see it going on and on in height, and it still feeling right”. Careful consideration towards sustainability have reflected in the design.  This mid-rise apartment building is the first of its kind in the country that uses outside air as renewable energy source avoiding use of fossil fuels such as fuel oil and natural gas. Insulating glass units that have a double silver coating ensure energy savings and solar protection without compromising on natural light transmission. James concluded: “It’s been executed particularly well, there’s an individuality to each apartment”.

Thank you to all involved in the WAN Residential Award 2015 and congratulations to the six finalists of this category. From this six, an overall winner will be announced on 26th January 2016.

Lydia O’Callaghan

Awards Coordinator

WAN Mixed Use Award 2015: Winner & Shortlisted Press Release

1.WAN Mixed Use Award 2015 Winning press release

Jury unanimously agree on a standout winner 

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s winner for the Mixed-Use Award 2015 is Sundboyster Hall II by Dorte Mandrup Arkiteker – Congratulations!

The winner was selected from a shortlist of four projects by an expert panel which included; Grant Brooker, Head of Studio – Foster + Partners, Teresa Borsuk, Senior Partner – Pollard Thomas Edwards and Woman Architect of the Year 2015, along with Paul Monaghan, Director – Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and recent Stirling Prize winner. With a variety of projects entered this year spanning far and wide from across the globe, the experienced jury panel all agreed unanimously that Sundboyster Hall II project was the standout winner.

Located in the district of Ambager, Copenhagen Denmark, this project was built as a visionary solution for building in dense and complicated city environments. It combines a 3-in-1 mix of uses with a grocery store, sports hall and apartments.

All judges were astonished at this particular mix and how the design had been combined within the building. Grant said, “I think this is terrific, I really like it, this is beyond mixed!” 

The ground floor contains a grocery store and an entrance for the sports hall, parking and apartments. A double height glass façade on the second floor ensures pedestrians and neighbours a direct view of the activities in the sports hall. It creates a connection between the building and the surrounding city. The hall is open to the public that spans over two floors and is highly adaptable to various types and sizes of events and sports. Teresa mentioned, “It’s really non-obvious to put a sports hall in the middle, but this works really well.” 

Each of the functions is expressed by a unique use of materials, which is all part of the collective collage. At night the pleated red-gold wooden façade will appear glowing in the escaping lights from the vertical ribbon windows that hit the warm tinted wood. During the day ribbon windows let a pleasant reflected daylight into the building. 12 apartments form the top of the building with an aluminium-covered bay window from floor to ceiling. Each apartment containing its own private atrium and rooftop terrace. The idea was to create a new typology: courtyard houses on the city’s roof. The judges thought this was a strong contender from the beginning with Paul commenting, “I love these modest apartments, stylishly done and original. The project is by far the stand out.”

WAN AWARDS would like to take this opportunity to thank not only this year’s jury panel for their time and valued comments, but also for all those who have contributed to this award by entering. 

Christina Ingram

Awards Coordinator 

2.WAN Mixed Use Award 2015 Shortlisted press release

Four diverse projects highlight the variety in the 2015 Mixed-Use Award 

The WAN Mixed-Use Award honours the combination of more than two uses within an architectural development. Whether it is residential with retail, office space with leisure or events space with theatres, as far as the imagination reaches, this award is about the celebration of spaces that come together and work harmoniously.

The Mixed-Use Award 2015 showcased it all, from technically challenging projects, that met their client briefs with an impressive execution, through to the mind-blowing bizarre, leaving our jury panel astounded with the array of multi-use buildings that had been constructed.

For the process of whittling down a shortlist from the 21 long listed projects we were honoured to have a fantastic line up of experienced judges for this year’s award. Our esteemed jury panel included Grant Brooker, Head of Studio Foster + Partners, Teresa Borsuk, Senior Partner Pollard Thomas Edwards and Woman Architect of the Year 2015, as well as Paul Monaghan, Director Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and recent Stirling Prize winner.

After reviewing the variety of projects a final group of four were selected for the Mixed-Use Award shortlist. These are summarised below in no particular order:

Fassler Hall / Dustbowl Lounge and Lanes by Fitzsimmons Architects

This entry was received positively by our entire jury panel, who spoke warmly about this project.  Situated in Oklahoma City, inspiration for the complex came from the existing building types common to this area. Teresea said, “When I saw this I liked it. It has that sort of ‘stripped back’ feel about it. For me it optimises this part of Oklahoma.”  Simple materials such as concrete frame with masonry make up the bulk of early 20th century buildings in this area, so an economical version was chosen using pre-cast columns, beams and tees.  Many of the local buildings have had updates over the years with a quilt work of pattern of different colours and finish variations visible in the brickwork. A subtle nod to this was created using areas of smooth and wire-cut brick in patterns only visible in the correct sunlight. Paul mentioned, “It’s quite clever isn’t it? With Oklahoma’s thriving youth scene you can imagine on a Thursday night this place would be full. I quite like the way that it’s almost like off-the-peg objects. It’s nearly like ‘non-design’ where things haven’t been designed, but standard components put together”. Grant supported Paul’s statement by saying “I like this, it’s quirky. When I saw this I thought – I’d go there – I liked the fact that they have just stripped it off, its all pretty relaxed and low-key.”

Milton Court/The Heron by David Walker Architects

Situated in the City of London, this project had all three judges studying the presentation intently in silent thought. The overall response to Milton Court/The Heron was that not only was this project a wondrous combination of mixed-use, but that it really showcased this category and what rare blends can occur within a project. Grant stated, “It’s a very challenging and really tricky project to do, with a very unusual combination.” Milton Court/The Heron provides performance and teaching facilities for The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, along with a luxury residential tower. The school’s facilities include a 625 seat concert hall, 225 seat theatre, 120 seat studio theatre, along with rehearsal, administrative and teaching spaces. The residential tower provides 295 apartments over 36 storeys. 

The jury panel discussed in detail how the theatres had been achieved. The overall impression that was left was how this had been extremely well executed, on a confined site.

Sundbyoster Hall II by Dorte Mandrup Arkiteker

There was enthusiasm surrounding this entry throughout the room while viewing this presentation. There had been discussions on defining what makes a project ‘really mixed-use’. All judges whole-heartedly declared this most certainly covered that criteria, with Paul saying, “It’s very mixed-use”.

Sundbyoster Hall II integrates a grocery store and sports hall as well as housing units in one building located in the district of Amager in Copenhagen, Denmark.

An interesting and unusual combination of uses, the ground floor contains a grocery store and an entrance for the sports hall, parking and apartments. A double-height glass façade on the second floor ensures pedestrians and neighbours a direct view of the activities in the sports hall. Teresa said, “It’s as though they’ve treated the three differently and yet it comes together and really works.”

T-House by Ekar Architects

Another successful selection for this year’s shortlist was the entry T-House, which is located in Nonthaburi, Thailand. A smaller-scaled, mixed-use project, this blends together the boundaries of home and business.  Paul said on this entry, “There’s an idea here that is quite elegantly put together. Of all the projects that we’ve seen this shows some real architectural concept, it looks like there is a reason for where every window is where it is. I also like the shapes used.” The T-House has a pure clean appearance with straightforward inside-out functions of open design. This comes from the family’s business, underwear, which is a product needed to be shown focusing on its cutting qualities and fabric rather than its striking patterns which is reflected in the design.

A project that was commended by the jury for its concept outside of the shortlist was Europaplatz Multipurpose Center | House of Religions by Baurt Architects Planners Ltd. in collaboration with Urban Office – Amsterdam.

This entry brought about some lively discussion surrounding its idea of bringing together five different religions within a building for commercial, residential and office space. The jury were amazed at the rarity of this particular mix, having never seen this type of combination before. Grant said fervently, “You are unlikely to ever come across a multi-storey, residential and multi-chapel facility, it’s an extraordinary mix. I have never seen anything like this tackled before.”  Teresa supported this by saying, “It’s very unusual and I think the idea is wonderful. The mix of uses is fantastic here. They seem to have purposely created this screen so that one religion does not have more importance than the other and that it unifies them.”

WAN AWARDS congratulates all those who have been shortlisted and commended in the Mixed-Use Award 2015. From the four shortlisted entries an overall winner will be announced on January 16th, 2016.

Christina Ingram

Awards Coordinator

WAN Adaptive Reuse Award 2015: Winner & Shortlisted Press Release

1. Adaptive Reuse Winning press release

Woods Bagot & Tridente Architects are awarded as the winners for their Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods project 

It is with great pleasure that we champion Woods Bagot & Tridente Architects as the winners of the WAN Adaptive Reuse Award 2015 for their impressive Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods project – Congratulations!

The winner was selected from six shortlisted projects which were chosen by our esteemed jury panel: John Assael, Founder of Assael Architecture, Ziona Strelitz, Founder of ZZA Responsive User Environments, and Jo Wright, Practice Leader at Arup Associates. The judges felt that the shortlisted projects highlighted the range of possibilities within adaptive reuse design, highlighting fantastic examples of what’s possible in this category. They were all in agreement that there was one clear winner on the day. 

When Woods Bagot & Tridente Architects were appointed master planners for the 61 hectare Tonsley former Mitsubishi site, it was assumed the main assembly building would be demolished. The architects identified benefits to retaining the existing structure, resulting in an urban renewal project without precedent.

Their design activates land that would otherwise be of low value, provides economic and environmental benefits and creates a strong brand identity for a building rich in historical importance for South Australia. The project respects the strong social connections to the building while firmly establishing its place in the future of the State’s economy. “If more people could follow the architect’s model on these massive legacy spaces that no one knows what to do with, it would be very constructive” commented Ziona. Jo agreed, saying: “It’s so vast.” 

The Main Assembly Building (MAB) design became part of the demonstration of what a new industrial employment precinct would look like. The ‘umbrella’ of the existing structure celebrates the industrial heritage of the building, creating a unique public destination and delivers a clear layout with a highly flexible work environment. The tenancies use a ‘pod’ approach that are adaptable, flexible and highly functional. 

Four urban forests inside the MAB provide naturally shaded green spaces, cool the air and reduce the sun’s thermal load on the roof. By retaining the existing structure the project has saved approximately 90,000 tons of carbon which is equivalent to taking 25,000 average cars off the road for one year. 

Tonsley is recognised as a world leader in environmentally sustainable design and building practices, with a 6 Star Green Star – Communities certification award; the only urban renewal development to achieve this level of certification. John concluded: “It’s a beautiful intervention.”

We’d like to take the opportunity to thank not only the jury, but all who entered their projects into this year’s WAN Adaptive Reuse Award. 

Lydia O’Callaghan

Awards Coordinator

 
2. Adaptive Reuse Shortlist press release

Six shortlisted projects highlighting the best in Adaptive Reuse 

The WAN Adaptive Reuse Award 2015 champions the adaption of historic structures to contemporary uses, not only to preserve our architectural heritage, but also to create a unique sense of place that reinvigorates communities in an environmentally sustainable way. Highlighting aesthetic and structural mastery behind some of the most dramatic transformations.

There were 35 longlisted projects that were closely examined recently by a panel of expert judges. Considering a number of factors: originality; innovation; form; sustainability; context – the architects needed to show the judges specific examples of how they achieved transformative effects, while remaining sympathetic to the building’s original character. The shortlisted projects were then tested to see whether their design had either: overcome key challenges in the client brief, and/or, has pushed the boundaries for the building type. 

This year’s jury panel were: John Assael, Founder of Assael Architecture, Ziona Strelitz, Founder of ZZA Responsive User Environments, and Jo Wright, Practice Leader at Arup Associates. 

All the judges felt the longlisted projects showed a great variety in scale and building types for this category, and the selected six shortlisted and one commended projects demonstrated fantastic examples of what is possible in adaptive reuse design. They are listed below in no particular order. 

59BTP-House in Singapore by ONG&ONG Pte Ltd. 

The brief required the architects to retain the owner’s 1950s childhood home, while modernising the space. John felt: “The architects had transformed this house – whilst remaining modest, they had achieved great intervention resulting in a sophisticated solution.” The look of the house, with the top volume hanging over the bottom volume, was retained while the layout was redesigned to incorporate features of modern tropical architecture. Additional floor space for more bedrooms was created through the new wing that closely follows the original structure. Jo commented: “It’s a strong aesthetic response to the existing building, they’ve taken something that was quite ugly and given it a new lease of life – transforming the character of the building”, with Ziona going on to say: “It’s very beautiful.”

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier Two in the United States by Maryann Thompson Architects.  

The architects transformed an existing 16,250 sq m waterfront industrial complex into a sports and exercise hub. Recycling a deteriorating cocoa bean warehouse into a bright and inviting recreation centre. The complex, conceived as a ‘toybox’ for the park as a whole, holds recreational equipment including playgrounds, picnic areas, an inline skating rink and courts for basketball, handball, bocce and tetherball. Ziona was first to say: “I think it’s absolutely fabulous, I love it because it’s brave, it’s lean, and it’s affordable – it’s inspiring.” Enclosing side walls were removed to bring light to the interiors, while poly-carbonate skylights inserted into gables cast diffuse light from above. Outside, a rocky spiral tidal pool that reveals the daily tidal cycle replaces what was previously a barren asphalt strip connecting the pier to land. Jo commented: “I admire the social inclusion agenda, when you see the before, it’s a really compelling case. “There’s a restraint about it that I admire, it’s making amazing use of the structure.”

Porcelanosa in the United States by Foster + Partners.

John began by saying: “I think the architect has worked very hard to do something special with this building. It’s a very successful project” The new flagship showroom is housed in the renovated 1919 Commodore Criterion building at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. The challenge for the showroom’s design was to transform the interior of the protected shell into a dynamic, highly flexible new sequence of spaces. Spatial variety is introduced by a series of dramatic interlocking levels, with mezzanine and double-height spaces, a light well and a roof terrace at the very top. “It’s been done really well” commented Ziona, going on to say: “It’s intelligent, it’s a real enhancement of space.”

Al-Ansar Mosque in Singapore by ONG&ONG Pte Ltd.

The overall design concept was unique in that the newer elements fit seamlessly with the existing architectural structures of the original mosque, such as the Minaret and Blue Dome, thus allowing the mosque to be updated, whilst giving due respect to its rich cultural background. “It looks welcoming, it’s got a very inviting frontage – I think it’s great” commented Ziona.  The new structure opens up the complex, as the mosque now has a large, covered community plaza, formed by a new, cantilevered box or floating podium. The plaza serves multiple functions – informal gathering space, extended place for worship, and even social event area. The new volume above the plaza houses additional programmes, including a multi-purpose 300-seat auditorium and function rooms. Jo concluded: “It’s so much more permeable than its previous incarnation.”

Tonsley Main Assembly Building and Pods in Australia by Woods Bagot & Tridente Architects. 

The architects identified benefits to retaining the existing structure of the building, resulting in an urban renewal project without precedent. Tonsley is now a vibrant, mixed use employment precinct supporting clean technologies, sustainable industries, advanced manufacturing, education and research. Ziona was first to say: “It’s taken a dinosaur of hugely embodied energy and turned it into a contemporary series of places of quality and functional relevance.” Sustainability was paramount for the MAB with a 3 megawatt solar array on the roof producing affordable, sustainable energy for tenants and communications infrastructure providing connected technology as a basis for a Smart Grid Energy system. “It’s beautiful, I love the way they’ve retained most of the structure” commented John.

Spring Studios by in the United States by AA STUDIO with MA Architects.

The project consists of the conversion of the top four storeys of the existing building into a major photographic and moving image studio complex for Spring Studios. “It’s a great gesture to the city” commented Ziona. During the survey of the original building the designers discovered oversized steel trusses supporting the roof across the span of the full building width. These trusses were hidden in a deep false ceiling underneath the roof structure. These elements of the original building were spared from demolition and incorporated in the design of the main studio/event space area. The roof of the existing building has been completely rebuilt in order to sustain the live load of the new roof terrace above. This project was designed in collaboration with Morris Adjmi Architects. John was very taken with this project, commenting: “This is fabulous with the way it’s been adapted, there’s been some serious interventions to create some interesting spaces. It has beautiful details inside – resulting in a fantastic design.”

On top of the six shortlisted schemes, the judges also wanted to select one project in particular as ‘Commended’ as they felt this project needed to be highlighted. This project was entitled Austin Community College, Highland Campus in the United States by Barnes Gromatsky Kosarek Architects. With a vision for a new urban model, Austin Community College purchased Highland Mall, an underused property, and begun a multi-phased, public-private partnership for an academic campus that will become the centre of a new urban redevelopment district. Conversion of the former JCPenney store is phase one of this development, setting the initial tone for transformation of the entire mall. The project has become a catalyst for urban renewal of the entire neighborhood. This first phase raises the bar for the college’s sustainability initiative and has achieved LEED Gold certification. All the judges were impressed with this project, with John saying: “It sets a great model for future interventions.” 

Thank you to all involved in the WAN Adaptive Reuse Award 2015. The winner will be announced on 19th January 2016. 

Lydia O’Callaghan

Awards Coordinator

The 2016 WAN AWARDS calendar is available for download here.

4. Background to WAN and the WAN AWARDS

World Architecture News (WAN) launched in 2005 and is now the world’s leading supplier of news to the global architectural community. In 2007, WAN reached the prestigious Google no.1 position for architecture news and has remained in pole position since.

In addition to being an unparalleled source of news for developers, organisations, consultants, students and architects in over 120 countries, the WAN AWARDS are today highly recognised and regarded worldwide, in an industry where competitions and awards have always been an intrinsic element of winning new work for architects.

The value of an award is determined not only by the quality of the jury panel but also by the number and calibre of participants. Using their exclusive WAN database and contacts around the world, WAN are able to pull together an unprecedented fusion of high quality architecture and internationally acclaimed judges drawn from both top architectural practices and experts from each sector. 2013 saw the level of entries rise to over 1500 outstanding projects, making the WAN AWARDS the largest architectural awards programme worldwide.

Now in its eighth year, the WAN AWARDS aims to celebrate the best in architectural design. As the largest award of its kind, attracting entries from all over the world, the award offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain recognition and exposure for your work.

For any further information please contact:  [email protected]

Mixed Use: Sundbyoster Hall II by Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter © Adam Mork 

Residential: ALUMINIUM TIP by BABIN+RENAUD architects © Cecile Septet

Adaptive Reuse: Woods Bagot & Tridente Architects © Sam Noonan