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Judges highlight design excellence, sustainability and preservation of heritage buildings
HONG KONG, 30 November, 2023 - Just over 100 outstanding architecture and design projects have been shortlisted in A&D Awards 2023, the leading awards program for the architecture and interior design industry in Asia Pacific.
Globally renowned firms, such as KPF, Aedas, HBA, Neri&Hu, Woods Bagot and Arup, are among the entrants this year, as well as many up-and-coming studios, from as far afield as Germany, the US, Japan, India, Hong Kong and mainland China. They are in the running to win top honours at the much-anticipated PERSPECTIVE Gala Dinner to be held in Hong Kong at the luxurious Kerry Hotel on Thursday January 25, 2024.
The international panel of judges highlighted the stand-out features of the shortlisted projects entered in 31 categories across Architecture, Future Developments, Interior Design, Innovation and Product Design. Here are a few examples:
Fully Electric Skyscraper
One of the most striking projects in the Future Developments category is KPF’s North Bund Lot 91. At 480 meters tall, it aims to become Shanghai’s first fully electric skyscraper with zero fossil fuels used on site, presenting a new benchmark for sustainable supertall design. Judge Barry Wilson, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, praised the development for “pushing the boundaries” of sustainable urban design. “Let's hope it can meet expectations,” he said.
Café Transformation
Prominent mainland practice Neri&Hu’s conversion of an old Shikumen-style house into a funky café in Shanghai’s historic Zhangyuan district for American coffee shop chain, Blue Bottle, was applauded by judge Yimei Chan, President of the American Institute of Architects, Hong Kong Chapter. Yimei noted the Interior Design project, called Primitive Shelter | Blue Bottle Zhang Yuan Café, successfully balanced the preservation of heritage with contemporary sensibilities, resulting in “a powerful and authentic architectural composition”.
Reviving Past Glories
Sticking with the heritage theme, another KPF project on the Bund, North Bund Huamao, was commended by Hong Kong Institute of Architects President Benny Chan for its efforts to conserve and re-energise historical buildings. Encompassing an entire city block, the mixed-use development aims to revive local culture, craft, and heritage from the site’s pre-war days when it was part of the British and American Concession in Shanghai. Chan was pleased the precinct would be “revitalised through rebuilding and reinterpretation”.
Sustainable Hospitality
Another project which rated highly from a sustainability perspective is The Fullerton Ocean Park, the first hotel in Hong Kong and China to be accredited by the International WELL Building Institute for its environmentally friendly facilities. Shortlisted in the Best Hotel category, the Aedas project earned the plaudits of Judge Vicki Wang, Managing Director, APAC of WATG, a firm that specialises in hospitality. She described the luxurious waterfront hotel as a “testament to the successful fusion of design excellence and sustainability, effortlessly harmonizing architectural elegance with the environment”.
Mirror in the Sky
In the Innovation category, the Whirlpool Brand Experience Center, also known as W House, was described by judge Barrie Ho, founder of Barrie Ho Architecture, as a “manifestation of powerful and unlimited energy” for the global home appliance brand. Designed by MOC Design Office, the high-tech showroom boasts a striking façade using a prism of angular glass panels to create the effect of a “mirror in the sky”. Once inside, interactive technology helps visitors grasp even the most technical details, turning what could be a mundane experience into an engaging and informative one.
The full list of shortlisted entries can now be viewed on perspectiveglobal.com/shortlist/.
For more information about the A&D Awards 2023 or how to register for the PERSPECTIVE Gala Dinner, please contact: marketing@perspectiveglobal.com
About A&D Awards 2023
For more than two decades, the A&D Awards have celebrated excellence in architecture and design across Asia Pacific. Owned by PERSPECTIVE, the digital magazine for the architecture and design community, the Awards are recognised as the most reputable and independent awards program, supported by the leading industry associations. All entries go through a rigorous two rounds of assessment by a panel of internationally renowned judges.
North Bund Lot 91
Primitive Shelter
North Bund Huamao
Fullerton Ocean Park
W House
