The ICONIC AWARDS 2024: Innovative Architecture inspires with entries of the highest international calibre. 540 entries from 36 countries were submitted to the jury this year, and 55 projects were selected as the 'Best of Best'.
“It was impressive to see the immense potential of groundbreaking designs that provide answers to current questions in contemporary architectural discourse," says Lutz Dietzold, Managing Director of the German Design Council, describing the work of the award winners. Once again this year, the special prizes with prize money are generously supported by dormakaba Holding GmbH + Co KG. Tatiana Bilbao Estudio will be honoured as "Architects of the Year" and Norm Architects as "Interior Designers of the Year".
The 'Architects' Client of the Year' prize will be awarded to the small German city Neuenburg am Rhein for the 'Areal Kronenrain'. The award ceremony with international guests from the world of architecture will take place on 8th October 2024 at the BMW Worldin Munich, parallel to the EXPO REAL real estate trade fair.
Special Prize Architects of the Year Award: Tatiana Bilbao Estudio
How can architecture act as a tool to improve social situations? And at the same time act as a platform for all those involved in the design and utilisation process? Tatiana Bilbao Estudio, founded in Mexico in 2004, has been demonstrating this time and again for two decades. The firm's work is characterisedby a series of outstanding projects—from the striking 'Estoa' institute building for the University of Monterrey to the Botanical Gardens in Culiacan and the S’ea of Cortez Research Center’in Mazatlán.
"Tatiana Bilbao and her team are distinguished by a deep and analytical approach that masterfully translates local conditions into striking architectural gestures," said the jury, explaining its choice of the Mexican studio as the special 'Architects of the Year' award winner. Their universal and low-cost housing prototypes are modular and quickly realised solutions that impress with their unique collaged concept visualisations. Current projects include the Porte de Montreuil infill development in Paris and the Maria Friedenshort convent in Brandenburg, built on a former Stasi site.
Special Prize Interior Designers of the Year: Norm Architects
Since its founding in Copenhagen in 2008, Norm Architects has impressed clients with its particular passionfor minimalist product design and sensitively composed, holistic interior concepts. Bringing the spirit of architecture to life in a space is achieved through a selection of materials that focus on natural resources, combined with a finely balanced designof corresponding furnishings.
Projects such as the Äng wine restaurant in Halland and the Heatherhill Beach House in Vejby demonstrate the studio's ability to create sensually charged spatial experiences. In addition to architectural and interior design projects, the team also designs furniture, lighting and objects for international brands.
"Norm Architects are known for their extraordinary sensitivity to location and their ability to create outstanding atmospheric spaces and spatial structures,' praised the jury. Their use of materials such as wood, clay and natural stone creates an atmosphere of security and grounding."
Honorary award - Architect's Client of the Year: Neuenburg am Rhein
The 36-metre-high tower made of red tamped concrete stands out confidently between the roofs ofthe small town of Neuenburg am Rhein. The tower is part of the 'Areal Kronenrain', an ensemble consisting of a multi-storey car park, plaza, viewing platform and bridge. Situated in the border triangle between Germany, Switzerland and France, the town hasventured into a striking transformation in collaboration with Berlin-based MONO Architekten, successfully creating a new connection between the nearby Rhine, the surrounding landscape and the town.
"It takes courage. That is the only way to create contemporary landmarks with identity-forming value. This has been achieved with the Kronenrain site in Neuenburg am Rhein,' says the ICONIC AWARDS jury, praising the project and the determination and vision of the public client not to simply construct a functional building for a project 'of this magnitude. Rather, it has created a true landmark and a new interface between the landscape and the city,' the jury states. For this exceptional decision, the City of Neuenburg is being honoured as 'Architect's Client of the Year' in this year's ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Architecture. 'Together with the architects, the city has realised an impressive gesture that is absolutely worthy of emulation," the enthusiastic jury concluded.
