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AIA Chicago's (International) Awards Competition
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When you see this year's winners, you could get the feeling, as I did, that AIA Chicago's annual Design Excellence Awards is an international competition. In this special awards exhibit you will see work from Asia to Europe. You also will see some great local projects
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There are writers who claim the quality of architecture in Chicago is not what it used to be. However, it seems clear from this competition that clients all over the world are hiring Chicago firms for their distinctive designs. (Not unlike us, I'm sure those local architects are complaining about competition from the outside.)
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An interesting aspect of this year's winners as a group is the presence of an intriguing balance of internationally recognized firms, solid regionally focused firms, and young emerging firms. Of the more than 250 total entries in the Distinguished Building, Interior Architecture and Divine Detail categories, the jury presented 12 Honor Awards, 13 Citations of Merit, and 5 Special Recognition Awards.
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Winners have been recognized in several ways. In addition to being featured in this virtual exhibit, they were honored on September 28 at Designight 2001 in the Grand Ballroom of Chicago's Navy Pier and the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., displayed the winning projects from October 1 through November 30.
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I would like to thank all of our members who entered and congratulate those who won. I would also like to thank our sponsors for making the event possible and encourage all members to continue to build upon an architectural heritage that is still world class.
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Thomas Zurowski, AIA
President
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Since 1955, AIA Chicago has given special recognition to buildings designed by Chicago architects through its Design Excellence Awards program. The awards were initiated by Chicago AIA President Alfred S. Alschuler, Jr., as part of a Civic Pride Luncheon. The luncheon, cosponsored by the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, was launched to promote Chicago, architecture, and architects.
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Today, Design Excellence Awards are given in four categories: distinguished building, interior architecture and divine detail and unbuilt design which alternate each year.The Design Excellence Awards recognize the best contemporary architecture produced by Chicago-area firms, in Chicago and elsewhere. A subjective jury of fellow architects selects the winners. |
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